How to Read “恋は思案の外”
Koi ha shian no hoka
Meaning of “恋は思案の外”
“Love is outside of thought” means that when you fall in love, you become unable to make rational judgments, and you can no longer think about things that you would normally consider as a matter of course.
People in love completely disregard matters that they would usually carefully consider, such as profit and loss calculations, future anxieties, social standing, and opposition from those around them. This is because romantic feelings possess a powerful force that transcends human reason and thoughtful discretion. This proverb succinctly expresses the overwhelming influence that love possesses.
It is used in situations such as explaining the behavior of someone who has become so absorbed in love that they cannot see what’s around them, or when one becomes aware that they themselves have lost calm judgment due to romance. It is also used as an explanation when understanding and accepting extraordinary behavior caused by love. Even today, as a phrase expressing the great impact that love has on people’s behavior, its essential meaning remains valid and applicable.
Origin and Etymology
“Love is outside of thought” has its origins as a phrase used to express the essence of love since the era of classical literature. “Shisan” means “to think, to deliberate,” and “soto” represents “outside the range.”
This expression appears in literature from the Edo period, and was particularly well-used in the worlds of joruri and kabuki. In stories dealing with love themes, this phrase was effectively employed in scenes where characters took actions that exceeded reason and common sense.
In classical literature, love was often depicted as a force that drives people mad. From the Heian period’s “The Tale of Genji” to the Edo period’s love suicide stories, the image of people in love acting without regard for social status, family opposition, or economic hardship was repeatedly portrayed.
The expression “outside of thought” does not simply mean that one’s thoughts don’t reach something, but rather refers to a state where thinking itself becomes meaningless. People in love completely stop caring about profit and loss calculations, future anxieties, and the eyes of others around them—things they would normally naturally consider. “Love is outside of thought” beautifully expresses this overwhelming power of love in these few short words.
Usage Examples
- When I think about her, I can’t even focus on work—”Love is outside of thought” is truly well said
- Everyone opposed their marriage, but “Love is outside of thought,” so it can’t be helped
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Love is outside of thought” has come to hold more complex meanings. With the spread of SNS and dating apps, romance tends to emphasize more calculated and strategic aspects than before. Optimizing profiles, timing messages, analyzing the other person’s reactions—looking at such modern romantic circumstances, this proverb might seem outdated.
However, in reality, there are many situations where the true value of these words is demonstrated precisely because we live in the digital age. The behavior of people who travel long distances to meet someone they met online, spend large amounts of money on online relationships, or invest massive amounts of real time in virtual romance can truly be called “outside of thought.”
Moreover, while diversity in romance is recognized in modern times, social risks have also become more complex. Issues like workplace romance harassment, social views on age-gap relationships, cultural barriers in international romance—the factors to consider may have increased compared to the past. Yet when people fall in love, they temporarily forget these complex realities.
Precisely because we live in an age of information overload, the power of emotions that transcend reason stands out prominently. This proverb continues to live on as a universal truth expressing the unchanging essence of humanity, no matter how rationalized society becomes.
When AI Hears This
When we fall in love, remarkable changes occur in our brains. First, the prefrontal cortex, which serves as the “command center of reason,” shows a 30% decrease in activity. This is equivalent to a mild state of intoxication. In other words, lovers are literally making decisions in a “drunken state.”
At the same time, dopamine is secreted at 2.5 times the normal level. Dopamine is the “motivation hormone,” and the brain enters the same state as that of gambling addicts. This is why we can’t stop thinking about our romantic partners. Furthermore, oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” is also released in large quantities, intensifying our attachment to the other person.
What’s fascinating is research showing that this state lasts approximately 18 months. In evolutionary psychology, this period coincides with the time needed for child-rearing. In essence, humanity has acquired a “mechanism for temporarily losing judgment” for the sake of species preservation.
Particularly noteworthy is that during the early stages of romance, the amygdala, our “danger detection sensor,” also experiences reduced function. Even with someone we would normally think “this person seems a bit suspicious,” our sense of caution diminishes. This is the true nature of “love is blind.”
The phenomenon that ancient people expressed as “love is beyond reason” has been proven by modern science as physical changes in the brain. The shutdown of rational thinking isn’t a matter of emotions, but rather a biological inevitability.
Lessons for Today
“Love is outside of thought” teaches modern people that there are precious things in life that cannot be measured by calculation alone. We live in a society where efficiency and rationality are constantly demanded. In work and human relationships alike, we always try to consider profit and loss, calculate risks, and search for optimal solutions.
However, in such calculation-filled daily life, this proverb reminds us of the value of sometimes surrendering ourselves to emotions that transcend logic. Not only in romance, but also in pursuing dreams, friendship, and love for family—life’s most beautiful moments are often found “outside of thought.”
What’s important is finding balance between emotion and reason. If you’re always calculating, you’ll lose sight of life’s richness, but if you’re swept away by emotions too much, problems will arise. By knowing the phrase “Love is outside of thought,” you can have the tolerance to understand and accept seemingly irrational behavior in yourself and others.
Sometimes set aside your deliberations and listen to your heart’s voice. There, you might find answers that are truly your own in life.
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