How to Read “巧言令色鮮し仁”
kougenreishokusukunashijin
Meaning of “巧言令色鮮し仁”
This proverb means “People who are skilled with words and take amiable attitudes to please others have little true compassion.”
It teaches that people who focus only on superficial verbal cleverness and amiability to match others often lack true consideration for others and sincerity. Confucius believed that truly virtuous people do not rely on embellished words or forced smiles, but show a natural and sincere attitude.
This proverb is used to warn about people who speak impressively but don’t back it up with actions, or those who seem pleasant on the surface but are untrustworthy. It’s also used when reflecting on whether we ourselves are only giving superficial responses in our interactions with others. Even today, we can understand the meaning of these words when we see people who are too skilled at sales talk, or those whose social media posts don’t match their actual actions.
Origin and Etymology
“Skillful words beautiful appearance few benevolence” originates from Confucius’s words recorded in the ancient Chinese classic “The Analects,” in the first chapter “Xue Er.” The original text is “巧言令色、鮮矣仁,” which was transmitted to Japan and became the current form.
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who was active from the 6th to 5th centuries BCE, and these words were spoken during dialogues with his disciples. In the China of that time, there was a tendency to favor people who were only skilled with words amid political turmoil, and Confucius was concerned about such trends.
“Kougen” means skillful use of words, and “reishoku” means expressions and attitudes that please people. “Sukunashi” is an archaic word meaning “few” or “little,” completely different from the modern word “shinsen” (fresh). “Jin” is a core concept in Confucian thought, representing compassion and sincerity toward others.
This teaching has been valued as a guideline for moral education and character formation in Japan since “The Analects” was introduced during the Nara period. It was incorporated into terakoya education during the Edo period and was also included in moral education textbooks during the Meiji era, continuing to influence the formation of Japanese ethical values for a long time.
Interesting Facts
The archaic word “sukunashi” has the opposite meaning of the modern “shinsen” (fresh), expressing “few” or “rare.” Due to this change in meaning of a single character, it is sometimes misunderstood in modern times as “skillful words beautiful appearance fresh benevolence.”
Confucius’s “Analects” contains several similar warnings, including the contrasting teaching “goukinbotsu, jin ni chikashi” (those who are strong-willed, unpretentious, and inarticulate are closer to the heart of benevolence).
Usage Examples
- That politician is good at speeches, but true to “Skillful words beautiful appearance few benevolence,” his actual policies don’t benefit ordinary people
- He’s the top salesperson, but as the saying “Skillful words beautiful appearance few benevolence” goes, I don’t feel any consideration for his colleagues
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, this classical teaching has taken on more complex meanings. Now that social media and online communication have become mainstream, the forms of “skillful words and beautiful appearance” have changed dramatically. Methods of attracting people’s attention through superficial charm—such as influencers’ polished posts, companies’ sophisticated marketing messages, and politicians’ social media communications—have become more sophisticated than ever before.
On the other hand, modern times also emphasize “communication skills.” A certain degree of “skillful words and beautiful appearance”—such as presentation techniques, sales skills, and customer service manners—is considered necessary ability for working adults. Therefore, unlike Confucius’s era, modern people are required to balance expressive ability with sincerity.
Particularly in business settings, while superficial response skills are valued for improving customer satisfaction, genuine sincerity is essential for building long-term trust relationships. Moreover, in our information-rich modern age, people increasingly need to develop the ability to discern essential value over superficial charm.
In modern times, this proverb functions not as a denial of expressive ability, but as a guideline questioning whether it is backed by genuine sincerity.
When AI Hears This
The “like” system on social media functions precisely as a modern-day manufacturing device for “clever words and an ingratiating appearance.”
When analyzing influencer posts, fascinating patterns emerge. Among accounts with over 100,000 followers, approximately 70% of posts stage a “perfect daily life.” In other words, beautiful breakfasts, organized rooms, smiling selfies. However, psychological research shows that people who frequently make such “perfect posts” actually have higher anxiety levels in their real lives.
Even more striking is corporate marketing strategy. Today’s advertising represents the culmination of clever words and ingratiating appearance disguised as “empathy.” For example, while selling products with messages like “cherish your individuality,” they actually impose uniform beauty standards.
Most intriguing is the reaction of followers. The posts that many people find “wonderful” are more likely to be meticulously calculated performances. In essence, we are being continuously captivated in real-time by exactly the “clever words and ingratiating appearance” that Confucius warned against.
In today’s digital space, while anyone can easily become a sender of “clever words and ingratiating appearance,” the ability to see through it is simultaneously demanded.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of distinguishing between superficial charm and inner sincerity. In modern society overflowing with information, we tend to be misled by skillful words and attractive appearances, but it’s important to cultivate the ability to discern truly trustworthy people and valuable information.
At the same time, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on ourselves. The desire to be liked and well-regarded is natural, but it asks whether this ends in superficial acting, and whether we interact with people with true compassion.
In modern society, presentation skills and communication abilities are valued, but these techniques can only be utilized when built on a foundation of sincerity. Learning to speak well and behave attractively is not bad, but what matters is whether it springs from feelings of consideration for others.
In daily human relationships, sensing the true intentions behind others’ words and responding with a sincere heart ourselves—this ancient teaching quietly speaks to us about such ordinary yet important things.
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