How to Read “The loss from not speaking is less than the loss from speaking”
Iuta son yori iwanu son ga sukunai
Meaning of “The loss from not speaking is less than the loss from speaking”
This proverb teaches that the damage you receive from staying silent is less than the damage from saying unnecessary things.
In other words, it warns us to be careful about talking too much.
Once words leave your mouth, you cannot take them back.
Saying too much or saying the wrong thing can destroy relationships, lose trust, or drag you into unexpected trouble.
On the other hand, staying quiet might make you miss some opportunities.
But the loss from that is relatively small. This proverb is based on this realistic observation.
People use this proverb to warn talkative people or to remind themselves to be careful with words.
It gives you wisdom to pause before speaking, especially when you are emotional, when you learn a secret, or when you are about to join gossip.
Even today, we see endless examples of social media posts causing trouble or careless words at work creating problems.
The lesson of this proverb remains valid. Managing your words properly can keep you away from trouble.
Origin and Etymology
There is no clear record of when this proverb first appeared in literature.
However, we can make interesting observations from the structure of the words.
The proverb contrasts “iuta” (spoke) in past tense with “iwanu” (not speak) in negative form.
It then repeats the word “son” (loss) to weigh the results of human speech behavior.
This expression method shows the characteristics of traditional Japanese teachings.
Notice the comparative structure of “loss is less than loss.”
It acknowledges that both choices involve loss, but compares their degree.
This does not seek a perfect answer. Instead, it suggests choosing the option with less harm. This reflects practical wisdom.
The colloquial expression “iuta” suggests this proverb was born and passed down among common people.
In merchant circles and village communities where human relationships were close, experiences of failure through words accumulated.
These experiences likely formed such teachings.
Japan has long had many expressions teaching caution with words, like “the mouth is the gate of misfortune” and “if the pheasant had not cried, it would not have been shot.”
This proverb was nurtured within this flow of Japanese views on language.
Usage Examples
- I wanted to share my opinion in the meeting, but I stayed quiet thinking the loss from not speaking is less than the loss from speaking
- I learned that person’s secret, but the loss from not speaking is less than the loss from speaking, so I will not tell anyone
Universal Wisdom
Humans are social creatures. We connect through words and hurt each other through words.
This proverb has been passed down for so long because people deeply understood the two-sided nature of words.
What is interesting is that this proverb does not absolutely recommend silence like “silence is golden.”
Instead, it speaks from a practical perspective of loss and gain.
Humans are not perfect. There is no such thing as a perfect statement that causes no loss.
The proverb stands on this premise and still teaches the realistic wisdom of choosing “the lesser loss.”
Behind this teaching lies the difficulty of controlling human emotions.
When feelings like anger, jealousy, superiority, or inferiority run high, people often say unnecessary things.
It might feel good in that moment. But how often do we regret it later?
Our ancestors knew that humans naturally have the urge to speak.
That is why they left this proverb as wisdom to suppress that urge.
Words can be weapons or shields. But if used wrongly, they become blades that hurt yourself.
The proverb conveys this truth in an easy-to-understand form of loss and gain.
As long as we live among human relationships, how to deal with words is an eternal theme.
This proverb acknowledges that difficulty while showing us a guideline for making wiser choices.
When AI Hears This
Shannon, the founder of information theory, measured the value of information by “the amount of uncertainty reduction.”
In other words, the act of saying something reduces uncertainty in the world.
But if that information is wrong, it creates false order in the entire system.
Let’s think concretely. Suppose you say “Person A is the culprit” in a group of ten people.
This statement suddenly reduces uncertainty within the group.
However, if you are wrong, all ten people move in the wrong direction. This creates a huge loss of missing the real culprit.
On the other hand, if you say nothing, the ten people continue thinking independently.
Uncertainty remains high, but the group does not run wild based on false information.
In information theory, one bit of false information has more than twice the impact of correct information.
This is because false information requires further information transmission to correct it, doubling the energy cost.
This proverb actually shows an advanced information strategy.
Transmitting information you are not sure about seems to lower entropy (create order).
But in reality, it brings greater confusion to the entire system, meaning a true increase in entropy.
Silence is not withholding information. It is preventing the spread of the poison called false information.
Lessons for Today
Modern times are an age of information overload.
Through social media, email, chat, and meetings, we keep speaking words all day long.
That is why the “caution with words” this proverb teaches has more important meaning than ever.
When you want to say something, pause for just a moment.
Are those words really necessary right now? Are you speaking from emotion? Will you regret it after saying it?
However, this proverb does not teach “say nothing at all.”
What matters is having the power to choose your words.
Speak with courage what truly needs to be said. Swallow what is unnecessary.
That judgment is the treasure this proverb gives us.
In the digital age, your words can be recorded, spread, and remain forever.
That is why a moment’s pause before speaking becomes a shield that protects you.
Words are power. To use that power correctly, sometimes silence is an option.
This proverb gently teaches us that truth.
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