How to Read “Hard to measure is the human heart”
Hakarigataiki wa jinshin
Meaning of “Hard to measure is the human heart”
“Hard to measure is the human heart” means that the human heart is complex and difficult to understand.
No matter how close you are to someone, you can never fully understand what they truly think or feel. This proverb captures the essential nature of human relationships.
This saying is used when you try to figure out someone’s true intentions from their words or behavior, but realize it’s impossible to see into the depths of their heart.
Someone might smile on the surface while thinking something completely different inside. A person who seems kind might have different motives behind the scenes.
The proverb points out this complexity and opacity of human psychology.
Even today, we often struggle to understand people’s true feelings at work or in friendships.
What someone posts on social media might differ from their actual feelings. This proverb still holds meaning as a warning against jumping to conclusions about others or assuming you completely understand them.
Origin and Etymology
The exact origin of “Hard to measure is the human heart” in historical texts has not been identified. However, the structure of the phrase offers interesting insights.
The word “measure” originally meant calculating physical quantities like length or weight.
Since ancient times, humans have tried to quantify and understand visible things. But the human heart alone cannot be captured by any ruler or scale, no matter how precise.
This phrase likely contains the deep insight of our ancestors who recognized this truth.
The proverb may have been influenced by classical Chinese thought, especially Confucianism and Taoism.
The complexity of the human inner world has long been an important theme in Eastern philosophy. The ancient Chinese classic “Book of Documents” contains the phrase “the human heart is dangerous,” expressing the instability and immeasurability of the human heart.
In Japan’s warrior society, the ability to discern people’s true intentions could mean the difference between life and death.
In a world filled with betrayal and schemes where surface behavior didn’t reveal true intentions, this saying was passed down as a deeply felt reality.
It naturally took root in Japanese culture, which values the subtleties of human relationships.
Usage Examples
- When a colleague I’d worked with for years suddenly resigned, I realized that hard to measure is the human heart
- Those two were so close, but now they’ve drifted apart—hard to measure is the human heart
Universal Wisdom
Behind the enduring wisdom of “Hard to measure is the human heart” lies the fundamental loneliness and mystery of human existence.
We use words, make expressions, and gesture to communicate our intentions. Yet we still cannot convey everything in our hearts to others.
At the same time, we cannot fully understand the hearts of others either.
This truth has remained unchanged since humans first formed societies.
No matter how advanced science and technology become, even if we can image brain activity, the essential parts of the human heart remain unmeasurable.
The heart is not merely electrical signals in the brain. It’s a unique world where each person’s experiences, memories, emotions, and values intertwine in complex ways.
This immeasurability makes human relationships difficult, but it also enriches our lives.
Because we cannot fully understand others, we imagine, empathize, and continue dialogue.
Within the frustration of not fully connecting lies the very essence of being human.
Our ancestors knew the importance of accepting this truth.
Let go of the arrogance of trying to completely measure another’s heart, and approach others with humility. This proverb quietly teaches us that this is the path to true human understanding.
When AI Hears This
The act of trying to measure the human heart contains the same structural trap as quantum mechanics.
In the quantum world, to measure an electron’s position, you must shine light on it. But that light changes the electron’s momentum.
In other words, the act of observation itself changes the object being observed.
The same thing happens in human relationships.
When you ask questions to confirm someone’s true feelings, that question makes them become cautious or try to meet expectations. They shift from their original psychological state.
For example, the moment you ask “Do you like me?” the other person’s feelings become different from what they were before measurement. The act of questioning changes the very thing you wanted to measure.
Even more interesting is the similarity to the uncertainty principle.
In quantum physics, you cannot accurately measure both position and momentum simultaneously. With the human heart, the more closely you observe someone’s surface behavior (position), the harder it becomes to see their true underlying motives (momentum).
Everyone has experienced how the more you try to look behind a smile, the less you can tell whether it’s an act or genuine.
The difficulty of measuring the human heart doesn’t come from lack of information. It arises from a fundamental limit in an interactive system where measurement and object cannot be separated.
Lessons for Today
“Hard to measure is the human heart” teaches modern people about humility toward others and the need for deep self-understanding.
First, don’t jump to conclusions about someone’s heart.
It’s dangerous to think you understand everything about a person from their social media posts or a single conversation.
Behind surface words and actions may lie circumstances and emotions we know nothing about. This awareness becomes the foundation for tolerance and compassion toward others.
At the same time, this proverb directs us to look at the complexity of our own hearts.
What are my true feelings? What thoughts hide beneath my surface emotions?
By deepening self-understanding, we become better able to accept the complexity of others.
Most importantly, precisely because hearts are hard to measure, we must continue dialogue.
Complete understanding may be impossible, but the attitude of trying to understand has value in itself.
Accepting that there will be parts we cannot understand, yet still trying to bridge the gap—this effort is the key to building rich human relationships.
The human heart is hard to measure. That’s exactly why we can continue facing each other with imagination and kindness.
Comments