How to Read “百聞は一見に如かず”
Hyakubun wa ikken ni shikazu
Meaning of “百聞は一見に如かず”
“Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” means that seeing something once with your own eyes is far more reliable and leads to deeper understanding than hearing about it many times from others.
This proverb compares “hearing” and “seeing” as methods of gaining knowledge, advocating for the superiority of visual experience. No matter how detailed an explanation you receive, you can only reach true understanding by actually seeing and confirming it with your own eyes. It particularly teaches that for complex situations or delicate problems, there are truths that can only be understood by seeing the actual scene. This saying is used when people are stuck in theoretical discussions or trying to make judgments based solely on speculation. It’s also used when emphasizing the importance of field research or on-site confirmation. Even today, this phrase demonstrates its power when expressing the importance of actually visiting a location to understand the situation, rather than relying solely on data or reports.
Origin and Etymology
“Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” originates from words recorded in the “Biography of Zhao Chongguo” in the ancient Chinese text “Book of Han.” This story comes from an anecdote about General Zhao Chongguo from the Former Han period.
At that time, when the Qiang people in the west rebelled, the court was divided on whether to send a punitive army or adopt a conciliatory policy. Many ministers advocated for a military solution, but the old general Zhao Chongguo emphasized the importance of seeing the local situation with his own eyes. He used the phrase “百聞不如一見” (hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing) to argue that no matter how many reports one hears, it cannot compare to actually seeing the location firsthand.
This phrase was transmitted to Japan as wisdom from Chinese classics and began appearing in Japanese literature from the Heian period onward. It became widely used among common people especially during the Edo period and continues to be beloved to this day. The reason Zhao Chongguo’s practical wisdom has been supported by many people across the ages is probably because it captures the essential nature of human learning methods.
Usage Examples
- I had heard about the reputation of the new restaurant, but “hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” – when I actually went there, it was completely different from what I had imagined
- I can’t make a judgment based solely on my subordinate’s reports, so following the principle that “hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing,” let’s go see the site ourselves
Modern Interpretation
In today’s information society, the meaning of “hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” has become more complex. Precisely because we live in an era where vast amounts of information can be obtained instantly through the internet and social media, the value of this proverb is being rerecognized.
Many people have experienced firsthand that there are truths that cannot be understood just by reading online reviews, news articles, or social media posts. For example, no matter how much you research information about a travel destination, when you actually visit, there’s an atmosphere and ambiance that photos cannot convey. Also, in online shopping, it’s not uncommon to be surprised by the difference between product images and the actual item.
On the other hand, the definition of “seeing” has also changed in modern times. Through virtual reality and high-definition video streaming, it has become possible to have “seeing” experiences without physically being present. However, there’s still a strong recognition that this cannot match real experiences using all five senses.
Particularly in the business world, as remote work has become widespread, the importance of actually meeting face-to-face is being reconsidered. Many people have painfully realized that there are subtle nuances and atmospheres that cannot be conveyed through online meetings. In this way, precisely because technology has advanced in modern times, the value of actually “seeing” and “experiencing” may be becoming even more vivid.
When AI Hears This
In today’s digital society, the fundamental premise of “seeing is believing” is being shaken to its core. Videos and images flowing through social media are “seen” by millions in an instant, yet most are consumed in viewing sessions of three seconds or less. We’re exposed to roughly 5,000 advertising images daily, but only a few percent actually stick in our memory.
What’s particularly striking is the qualitative deterioration of the act of “seeing.” TikTok and Instagram short videos compress complex realities into 15-second clips, stripping away all context. For instance, a video addressing a social issue will skip the background and multifaceted nature of the problem, capturing only emotionally charged moments. Viewers feel like they’ve “seen” something, but they’ve actually gained only superficial impressions.
Meanwhile, the explosive growth of podcasts and audio content presents a fascinating phenomenon. According to Spotify, the average podcast listening time is 25 minutes—more than three times longer than video content. Without visual stimulation, audio engages listeners’ imagination and thinking on a much deeper level. Through expert interviews and commentary programs, “listening” to a single topic from multiple angles yields far richer understanding than fragmented visuals ever could.
Perhaps in our modern era, we should say “a hundred sights are worth one listen.” To avoid drowning in the ocean of information, the ability to “listen and think” deeply, rather than superficially “see,” has become the true shortcut to understanding truth.
Lessons for Today
What “hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” teaches modern people is the “value of experience” that we should cherish precisely because we live in an age of information overload.
Now that we can access information from around the world with just a smartphone, we tend to be satisfied with information seen only through screens. However, what’s truly important begins with actually going somewhere, seeing with our own eyes, and feeling with our skin.
When challenging new work, considering a job change, or worrying about relationships – don’t rely solely on internet information or others’ opinions, but first try experiencing it yourself. By taking that step forward without fearing failure, unexpected discoveries and growth may be waiting.
This proverb also teaches us consideration for others. When giving someone advice, by encouraging them to “actually go see for yourself,” you can expand that person’s possibilities. When you yourself are uncertain, have the courage to head to the actual site. There, truths that cannot be conveyed through words alone and encounters with a new version of yourself should be waiting.
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