How to Read “Even good things are not as good as having nothing”
Kōji mo naki ni wa shikazu
Meaning of “Even good things are not as good as having nothing”
“Even good things are not as good as having nothing” means that sometimes it’s better if good or happy events don’t happen at all.
What seems like good fortune can actually cause trouble or disaster later. This proverb warns us about this hidden danger.
For example, unexpected good luck might make others jealous. Or accepting a good offer might drag you into unforeseen problems.
Think about winning the lottery and suddenly having relatives swarm around you. Or getting promoted and finding your relationships at work become complicated.
This proverb shows that a peaceful, ordinary life is more valuable than flashy good fortune.
Even today, bragging on social media can lead to online attacks. Sudden success can become overwhelming pressure.
A calm state where nothing special happens is actually the safest and happiest state. This proverb teaches us this paradoxical wisdom about life.
Origin and Etymology
The exact origin of this proverb in historical texts is unclear. However, we can learn interesting things from how the phrase is structured.
The expression “shikazu” comes from classical Chinese writing style read in Japanese. It means “cannot match” or “is inferior to.”
This expression connects to ancient Chinese philosophy, especially Laozi’s idea of “non-action and naturalness.” Laozi taught the value of doing nothing and warned that human interference sometimes brings disaster.
“Kōji” literally means “good things” or “happy events.” The proverb contains paradoxical wisdom.
What should be joyful events can actually become seeds of future trouble and disaster.
Japan has long had another proverb: “Good things attract many obstacles.” This shows the recognition that good events always come with difficulties.
“Even good things are not as good as having nothing” goes one step further. It shows an even more cautious view of life, suggesting it’s safer if good things don’t happen at all.
One strong theory says this teaching spread during the Edo period merchant culture. People experienced how flashy fortune and conspicuous success attracted jealousy and disaster.
This proverb reflects the Japanese value that peaceful, uneventful days are the highest form of happiness.
Usage Examples
- I won the lottery and suddenly my relatives became nice to me. Even good things are not as good as having nothing.
- I got a promotion offer, but the responsibility is too heavy. I’m starting to think even good things are not as good as having nothing.
Universal Wisdom
“Even good things are not as good as having nothing” contains deep insight into human happiness.
We instinctively seek good fortune and success. But our ancestors saw through the dangers hiding behind them.
Human society has a universal emotion: jealousy toward those who stand out. Outstanding good fortune changes relationships with others.
Sometimes it creates hostility and envy. This is human nature that hasn’t changed from ancient times to today.
In groups that value equality, standing out alone often makes you a target of isolation or attack.
Also, unexpected good fortune dulls people’s judgment. The caution that good offers might have hidden catches weakens.
You become more vulnerable to scams and traps. When floating on happiness, people are most defenseless.
On a deeper level, this proverb expresses the essence of Eastern philosophy: “knowing what is enough.”
Rather than chasing great fortune, being grateful for your current peaceful daily life leads to true happiness. This is the truth.
A calm life without waves is actually the greatest luxury. Many people only realize this after losing it.
Humans constantly want “more.” But this desire itself becomes the beginning of unhappiness. This proverb quietly teaches us this truth.
When AI Hears This
The universe has an absolute rule called the “law of entropy increase.” This is a physical law that says everything moves toward disorder if left alone.
For example, a room always gets messy without cleaning. This isn’t because you’re lazy. It’s because physically, there are overwhelmingly more patterns of “messy states.”
What’s noteworthy here is the essence of creating “kōji” or “good things.” Weddings, promotion parties, housewarming celebrations—all events we call “happy” point to highly ordered, low-entropy states.
One hundred participants gather at a set time, in set clothing, following set procedures. Creating this order requires enormous energy.
What’s physically interesting is this: when you create order locally, greater disorder necessarily emerges around it.
Hold a wedding and you create paper waste from invitations, exhaust from transportation, leftover food. The entropy of the entire environment definitely increases.
In other words, good events are acts that accelerate the disorder of the entire universe.
What’s frightening about this proverb is this: ancient people saw through experience the cosmic truth that doing nothing is thermodynamically most stable.
If you don’t cause good events, at least you don’t pay the price of rapid entropy increase.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people the importance of having eyes to see the true nature of happiness.
When you envy others’ glamorous lives on social media, remember the invisible burdens and struggles behind them.
Your current peaceful daily life might actually be an irreplaceable treasure. Rather than chasing great success or dramatic fortune, cherishing your calm present time is the shortcut to true happiness.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should avoid all good opportunities. What matters is developing the habit of pausing calmly when good offers come.
Consider the risks and responsibilities that come with them. Don’t let excitement cloud your judgment. And above all, polish your sensitivity to notice the happiness in ordinary days.
A quiet, stable life brings more peace of mind in the long run than an eventful one.
In modern society that seeks flashiness, this proverb is precious wisdom. It makes us recognize the value of modest happiness.
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