How to Read “When you see a wise person, think to become their equal”
Ken wo mite wa hitoshikaranto omou
Meaning of “When you see a wise person, think to become their equal”
This proverb teaches that when you encounter someone excellent, you shouldn’t envy or resent them. Instead, you should aspire to reach the same level they have achieved.
People feel various emotions when they encounter someone else’s excellence. However, this proverb teaches that such moments are perfect opportunities for personal growth.
Rather than giving up by thinking “I could never do that,” or distancing yourself by saying “that person is just special,” you should embrace a positive attitude. The key is thinking “I want to become like that person.”
In modern times, we see others’ successes more often through social media and other platforms. This makes the proverb’s message even more important today.
Honestly acknowledging others’ strengths and using them as your own goals is essential. This humble and ambitious attitude becomes the driving force for personal growth.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is believed to originate from a passage in the Analects, a Confucian classic. The “Li Ren” chapter contains Confucius’s words: “When you see a worthy person, think to equal them; when you see an unworthy person, reflect inwardly on yourself.”
This teaching came to Japan and took root in Japanese culture.
“Ken” refers to a person with excellent virtue or talent. “Hitoshikaran” means “to become equal.” So the teaching is that when you see an excellent person, you should aspire to reach their level.
Interestingly, the original Analects passage continues with a second half: “When you see someone unworthy, reflect on yourself internally.” This means you should examine your own character when you see someone inferior.
Together, these two parts show an important attitude for human growth.
In Japan, this proverb became widely known during the Edo period as Confucianism spread. The Analects was required reading for samurai education, and from there it spread to common people.
However, in Japan, only the first part is typically used independently. It has been passed down emphasizing the positive attitude of setting excellent people as your goals.
Usage Examples
- Watching that senior’s work makes me think “When you see a wise person, think to become their equal” – it motivates me to work harder
- Her presentation really moved me. They say “When you see a wise person, think to become their equal,” and that’s exactly how I felt
Universal Wisdom
Humans have a curious quality. When we encounter someone else’s excellence, two opposite emotions arise. One is jealousy or feelings of inferiority. The other is admiration or ambition.
Even in the same situation, which emotion you choose greatly changes your life afterward.
This proverb has been passed down for hundreds of years because it understood this fundamental crossroads in human nature. When you see an excellent person, it’s natural for your heart to waver.
However, only those who can transform that wavering into ambition rather than jealousy can truly grow.
What’s interesting is that this proverb presents a standard: “you should think.” In other words, admiration and ambition aren’t things that naturally well up inside you. They’re things you must consciously choose.
The human heart, left alone, tends to flow in the easier direction – toward jealousy or resignation. That’s precisely why our ancestors commanded us to “think.”
The depth of this teaching lies in its belief in human potential. Anyone has the possibility of reaching the same heights as excellent people. The key to unlocking that possibility is the humility to honestly acknowledge others’ excellence and make it your goal.
When AI Hears This
When you see an excellent person, actual physical changes occur in your brain. Mirror neurons, accidentally discovered by an Italian research team during monkey experiments in the 1990s, are nerve cells that fire the same way when observing others’ actions as when performing those actions yourself.
In other words, just watching a wise person’s behavior makes your brain react as if “you’re doing the same thing.” This isn’t mere understanding – it’s neural-level preparation for imitation.
What’s interesting is that this system works selectively. The brain doesn’t imitate observation targets indiscriminately. It responds more strongly to those recognized as superior to yourself – the “wise.”
University College London research confirmed that when learners watched someone they recognized as “skilled,” mirror neuron activity increased by an average of 40 percent.
Even more important is that this system reads intentions and goals. It doesn’t just mimic movements – it simulates in the brain “why that action is performed.”
You automatically try to learn not just the wise person’s outward behavior, but the thinking patterns behind it. This is a learning mechanism far older than verbal explanation, functioning long before humanity had writing.
This proverb captured that biological truth as experiential wisdom.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches you a way of living that turns others’ success into fuel for your own growth.
In today’s world, someone’s brilliant achievements jump out at you whenever you open social media. How do you feel at such times?
If your heart feels even slightly unsettled, that might be a chance for growth. Don’t let that emotion end in jealousy. Try transforming it into ambition: “I want to become like that too.”
What matters isn’t aiming for perfection. You can start by imitating just one good quality of an excellent person.
A senior’s way of speaking, a friend’s study method, an admired person’s way of thinking. Small steps will eventually change you greatly.
And don’t forget this. Just as you think “that’s amazing” when you see someone, someone might be thinking the same thing when they see you.
Everyone can learn from and elevate each other. The humility to honestly acknowledge excellent people becomes the power that guides you to become an excellent person yourself.
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