How to Read “長所は短所”
Chousho wa tansho
Meaning of “長所は短所”
“Strong points are weak points” means that a person’s excellent qualities or abilities can become shortcomings depending on the situation or how they are used.
This proverb teaches us that there is no absolute good or bad in human character or abilities, and that everything is relative. For example, the strength of being cautious can become the weakness of indecisiveness if taken too far. Proactiveness, when excessive, can manifest as recklessness or forcefulness.
This proverb is mainly used when evaluating someone’s character or abilities. When pointing out someone’s shortcomings, it is used to avoid hurting that person and instead suggest that the trait could be a strength in different circumstances. It is also effective when encouraging someone who is troubled by their own shortcomings.
In modern times, this expression holds particularly important meaning in human resource development and interpersonal relationships. In contemporary society that values diversity, it teaches us the importance of not judging people by a single standard, but rather utilizing each person’s traits in appropriate situations.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of the proverb “Strong points are weak points,” no clear documentary evidence has been found, but it is believed to be deeply rooted in Japan’s classical thought.
This proverb is likely influenced by the ancient Chinese philosophical concept of “yin-yang thought.” In yin-yang philosophy, there is the idea that all things have two opposing aspects that depend on each other. It is also related to the Buddhist concept of the “Middle Way,” which teaches the importance of maintaining balance without leaning to extremes.
Similar ways of thinking can be found in moral instruction books and treatises on worldly wisdom from the Edo period. In the bushido (way of the samurai) and merchant codes of that time, the dangers of relying excessively on a single trait were often discussed.
While the exact period when this proverb became established in its current form is unclear, it is presumed to have become more widely used during the modernization process from the Meiji era onward, as Western individualism merged with Eastern harmonious thought. It likely became deeply ingrained in Japanese values as a cautionary teaching when discussing people’s character and abilities.
Usage Examples
- His meticulousness is a case of strong points are weak points – it caused trouble in this project because he couldn’t be flexible
- My daughter’s competitive nature is also strong points are weak points, so I want to guide her well
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the proverb “Strong points are weak points” has come to hold even greater significance than before. Particularly in an era that values diversity and individuality, this way of thinking is gaining new interpretations.
In today’s social media age, people tend to be enthusiastic about promoting their strengths. However, few may understand that these strengths sometimes work as weaknesses. For example, perfectionism as a strength may appear attractive on social media, but in actual workplaces, it can manifest as weaknesses such as missing deadlines or disrupting teamwork.
Also, with the widespread adoption of remote work, the strength of high communication skills can become a weakness in online meetings by talking too much and depriving others of opportunities to speak. Conversely, there are increasing situations where introverted and cautious people demonstrate their strengths by carefully considering before expressing opinions via email, leading to more accurate judgments.
This way of thinking is also revolutionary in modern human resource development. There is a required shift from the conventional idea of “fixing weaknesses” to the concept that “strengths and weaknesses are two sides of the same coin, and should be utilized in appropriate situations.” This shows the importance of not denying individual characteristics, but finding ways to maximize their utilization.
When AI Hears This
The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons, but since it consumes 20% of the body’s total energy, it has evolved mechanisms to enhance specific neural circuits while suppressing others for efficiency.
For example, in people who excel at mathematical thinking, specific regions of the prefrontal cortex responsible for logical processing are highly developed. However, brain imaging studies have confirmed that blood flow and energy allocation to neural circuits involved in emotional processing and social cognition are relatively reduced. This is the biological foundation behind the phenomenon of “being good at math but struggling to read people’s emotions.”
What’s even more fascinating is that brain plasticity operates on a principle called “competitive plasticity.” When you intensively train a particular ability, those neural circuits strengthen while unused circuits physically shrink. Musicians’ brains show enlarged auditory cortex regions, but research has also found that their visual processing areas are smaller than those of the general population.
In other words, “strengths are weaknesses” is an inevitability born from the brain’s physical constraints. A perfect, all-capable brain would have been evolutionarily disadvantageous from an energy efficiency standpoint, which is why we’re all born with “biased brains” that specialize in certain areas.
Lessons for Today
The proverb “Strong points are weak points” teaches us important lessons for living in modern times. It shows us the danger of judging ourselves and others one-dimensionally, and the importance of having a multifaceted perspective.
If you are currently troubled by your own shortcomings, remember that those traits might shine as strengths in different situations. A shy personality might be a manifestation of the strengths of being cautious and thoughtful. An impatient personality might be an expression of action-oriented decisiveness.
Similarly, when you notice others’ shortcomings, try to look at the strengths behind them. A stubborn person might have strong convictions, and a nervous person might be capable of detailed consideration. Having such a perspective will make human relationships richer and more constructive.
In modern society, diverse values and ways of working have come to be recognized. That’s precisely why it’s important not to measure people by a single standard, but to utilize each person’s traits in appropriate situations. Your individuality is surely needed somewhere. Please continue forward while cherishing your authentic self and not forgetting flexibility.
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