How to Read “Because there are unskilled people, skilled people are known”
Heta ga aru node jōzu ga shireru
Meaning of “Because there are unskilled people, skilled people are known”
This proverb means that we can understand the value of excellent things only because inferior things exist. If everything were at the same level, we couldn’t judge what is superior.
Only when unskilled techniques or works exist can the brilliance of skilled techniques or works stand out clearly.
This expression is often used when evaluating artistic works or technical skills. For example, when you compare works of various levels, you can truly appreciate the amazing skill of a master.
It also conveys the truth that the value of things is not absolute. Instead, we recognize value relatively through comparison.
Today, people use this proverb when explaining something’s merit in the context of “you understand value because there’s something to compare it to.”
Even if you only look at excellent things, it’s hard to understand their true value. This proverb contains a tolerant perspective.
It suggests that inferior things also have meaning as they help highlight superior things.
Origin and Etymology
The exact first appearance of this proverb in literature is unclear. However, based on the structure of the words, it likely reflects the “philosophy of contrast” that lies at the foundation of Japanese aesthetics and values.
The proverb uses the paired words “unskilled” and “skilled.” The idea that one stands out because the other exists is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics.
In tea ceremony, the concept of “wabi-sabi” finds beauty in imperfection. In ink wash painting, the painted parts come alive because empty space exists.
This philosophy that “value becomes clear through contrast” can be seen in various aspects of Japanese culture.
The expression “shireru” (are known) also deserves attention. It carries deeper meaning than the modern word “wakaru” (understand).
It doesn’t just mean to comprehend, but implies that the essence becomes clear and true value appears.
In other words, the value of superior things doesn’t exist absolutely. It becomes “known” or revealed only through comparison with inferior things.
This shows a relative view of value.
This proverb is considered the wisdom of ancestors who expressed the mechanism of human cognition when judging the value of things in simple words.
Usage Examples
- After listening to an amateur’s performance and then a professional’s, you really understand the difference in skill—because there are unskilled people, skilled people are known
- I couldn’t understand the quality of his work, but when I compared it with others’ work, I realized it’s true that because there are unskilled people, skilled people are known
Universal Wisdom
Humans are creatures who struggle to directly recognize absolute value. No matter how wonderful something is, it’s difficult to truly appreciate its value by looking at it alone.
This proverb shows that our perception fundamentally depends on “comparison.” This is human nature.
We understand shadows because light exists. Sounds stand out because silence exists. People who have experienced hardship understand the value of happiness more deeply.
This proverb teaches that seemingly inferior things or failures actually play an important role. They aren’t merely negative existences.
They function as a “mirror” that reveals the value of superior things.
Thinking more deeply, this proverb also suggests the importance of humility. Even people who think they’re skilled are in that position only because less skilled people exist.
It’s not absolute superiority. At the same time, people who feel unskilled now have value in that their existence highlights someone else’s skill.
Our ancestors understood that this world is built on contrast and relativity. Everything has a reason to exist.
We live within a complex web of values that can’t be measured by the simple dualism of superiority and inferiority.
When AI Hears This
The human brain actually cannot directly measure “absolute values.” For example, when judging how well someone sings, we’re not measuring “skill” itself.
In information theory terms, the brain only detects “differences.”
Expressed as a formula, information quantity is calculated by “relative entropy.” In other words, the information quantity of state A can only be quantified as the “deviation” from another state B.
Consider a temperature sensor. The sensor appears to measure the absolute temperature of 20 degrees. But it’s actually measuring voltage difference from a reference point.
Without a reference point, the sensor can’t measure anything.
Human cognition works the same way. Whether vision or hearing, the brain reacts sensitively to “changes” or “differences.” But when constant stimulation continues, we become accustomed and stop feeling it.
You can’t see a white object placed in a completely white room. But place one black dot and you recognize it instantly.
What makes this proverb interesting is that it positions “unskilled” not as merely inferior. Instead, it’s an essential reference point that allows the information of “skilled” to exist.
In information theory terms, without the state of unskilled, the information of skilled doesn’t even exist. In a world without comparison targets, everything becomes colorless, transparent, and indistinguishable.
This isn’t a limitation of cognition. It’s the essential nature of information itself.
Lessons for Today
In modern society, we constantly see only “the best things” and “perfect things” on social media and elsewhere. However, this proverb offers an important perspective to the attitude of pursuing only perfection.
First, it reminds us that failure and immaturity also have meaning. If you feel unskilled at something now, you’re playing a role in highlighting someone else’s skill.
At the same time, that lack of skill makes the joy of improvement even greater when it comes. The process of growth itself has value.
This perspective is also important when evaluating others. To truly understand someone’s excellent points, you need to see people and works of various levels.
Looking only at first-class things won’t help you understand their true value. By accepting diversity and experiencing things of various levels, your aesthetic sense becomes refined.
Most importantly, you realize that nothing in this world is useless. Even things that seem inferior play the important role of revealing the value of superior things.
You can hold a warm perspective that every existence has meaning.
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