How to Read “剛毅木訥仁に近し”
goukibokutotsujinnichikashi
Meaning of “剛毅木訥仁に近し”
This proverb means that people with strong will who are unpretentious and simple are closest to “benevolence,” which is the highest virtue.
Here, “strong and resolute” refers to having a strong will that does not yield to difficulties, while “wood slow speech” represents being inarticulate, unpretentious, simple, and sincere. In other words, it teaches that people who may lack eloquent speech and superficial charm, but who have firm convictions within and live sincerely, are truly valuable individuals.
This proverb is used when we want to remind people that what truly matters is inner sincerity, especially in situations where we might be swayed by flashiness or skillful rhetoric. It is also used when evaluating people who are inarticulate and modest. Even in modern times, it is understood as a universal value that emphasizes the importance of a person’s character and consistency of actions rather than flashy appearance or speaking ability.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb originates from the words of Confucius recorded in the ancient Chinese classic “The Analects,” specifically in “Zilu Chapter 13.” The original text is “Strong resolute wood slow speech near benevolence,” and it is known as one of Confucius’s teachings about ideal character.
“Strong and resolute” means having a strong will that does not yield, while “wood slow speech” means being unpretentious, simple, and inarticulate. In Confucius’s time, there was a tendency in China to favor eloquent and flashy individuals, but Confucius valued inner sincerity over such superficial talents.
The background to the birth of these words lies in the political turmoil of the Spring and Autumn period. Among the politicians and scholars of that time, there were many who deceived people with flowery rhetoric, and Confucius was sounding an alarm against such trends. The teaching that people who live sincerely, even if clumsily, are closer to “benevolence,” the highest virtue, than those who are merely eloquent, made a deep impression on his disciples.
Confucianism was introduced to Japan along with Buddhism from the Nara to Heian periods, and this proverb became widely accepted as it connected with the spirit of bushido. Particularly among the samurai class during the Edo period, it is believed to have been frequently quoted in educational settings because it aligned with values that despised ostentation and honored simplicity and strength.
Usage Examples
- Although his sales performance is mediocre, Mr. Tanaka embodies “Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near,” and he has deep trust from customers
- He’s not good at flashy presentations, but his “Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near” attitude ultimately earns the team’s trust
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, there is a tendency to overemphasize “the power to show” and “the power to communicate” due to the influence of social media and mass media. Attention is drawn to the flashy posts of influencers and celebrities, and presentation skills and self-expression abilities are often considered keys to success. However, perhaps it is precisely because of such times that the value of this proverb is being rerecognized.
Even in the business world, there are increasing situations where long-term trust relationships and continuous effort are valued more than short-term results or flashy performances. Particularly now that remote work has become widespread, there are more opportunities to evaluate actual results and sincere responses rather than superficial impression management.
On the other hand, in modern times, being “wood slow speech” – that is, being inarticulate – is not necessarily seen as a virtue in many situations. Communication skills have certainly become necessary skills, and there are situations where inner sincerity alone is not sufficient.
However, precisely because we live in an age of information overload, the ability to distinguish between genuine and fake is required. This proverb asks modern people about the importance of not being deceived by superficial charm, developing the ability to see through to a person’s essence, and cultivating one’s own inner self. Perhaps true value remains unchanged no matter how times change.
When AI Hears This
Someone who posts “Thank you for the inspiration” and “Let’s all work hard together” on social media every day, versus someone who is usually quiet but silently helps people in need. Which one is truly kind?
Actually, psychological research has revealed an interesting fact. People who frequently showcase their good deeds on social media tend to make more selfish choices in their actual behavior. A University of California study found that people who frequently post about charitable activities on social media actually donated less than half the amount compared to those who don’t post about it.
In other words, the more eloquent someone is with words, the further they may be from true kindness. Why? Because eloquent people “become satisfied with words alone.” By speaking beautiful words, they fall into the illusion that they have actually taken action. In psychology, this phenomenon is called the “moral licensing effect.”
On the other hand, people of few words cannot find self-satisfaction through words alone, so they have no choice but to demonstrate through action. During the Great East Japan Earthquake, those who engaged in the most volunteer activities were elderly people in rural areas who had little social media presence.
We live in an era where “performative goodness” is valued, but genuine kindness, now as always, resides in quiet action.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people might be that “genuine value appears over time.” Posts that gather many “likes” on social media are not necessarily the same as words that remain in the heart for a long time. Flashiness and skillfulness attract temporary attention, but sincerity and consistency build long-term trust.
In daily life, we tend to stretch ourselves to look good, but this proverb gives us “the courage to compete as our authentic selves.” Even if we’re inarticulate or clumsy, by cherishing our own sincerity, we can build truly valuable relationships.
It also changes our perspective when evaluating others. We can develop the ability to see a person’s actions and continuous attitude without being deceived by first impressions or superficial charm. Truly trustworthy people can be judged not by their flashiness, but by the sincerity that appears especially during difficult times.
There’s no need to be perfect. What’s important is to continue maintaining your own authentic sincerity. This ultimately creates genuine value that reaches the hearts of those around you.
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