How to Read “A noble person is not ashamed to ask those below”
Kunshi wa kamon wo hajizu
Meaning of “A noble person is not ashamed to ask those below”
This proverb means that truly excellent people don’t feel embarrassed to ask questions of those lower in status or position.
It teaches that genuinely wise people honestly admit what they don’t know. They have the humility to learn from anyone, regardless of who that person is.
People use this saying to encourage someone whose pride prevents them from asking questions. It’s also used to emphasize the importance of maintaining a humble learning attitude.
Additionally, it praises leaders who seek advice from younger colleagues or subordinates.
Today, we understand this as a lesson that you should ask about things you don’t know, regardless of age, position, or years of experience.
In fact, the flexibility to ask anyone is considered essential for continued growth. This is better than hiding your ignorance and making mistakes.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is believed to come from the ancient Chinese text “Analects.” The Analects records the words and actions of Confucius and his disciples.
It has greatly influenced thought throughout East Asia.
“Kunshi” (noble person) refers to an ideal character in Confucianism. It doesn’t simply mean someone of high status.
Rather, it describes someone who possesses virtue, pursues learning, and has excellent character. “Kamon” (asking those below) means questioning people of lower status or position than yourself.
In ancient China, the class system was strict. When someone of higher rank asked for teaching from someone lower, it was seen as damaging to their pride.
However, Confucius taught that truly excellent people should not be bound by social status or position. When they don’t know something, they should humbly learn from anyone.
This teaching represents a core Confucian value. It emphasizes the pursuit of truth and humble learning over formal hierarchies.
This proverb came to Japan long ago. It was widely accepted both as education for samurai and as a lesson for common people.
It shows a universal value: before knowledge and truth, all people are equal. This is why the saying has been passed down to this day.
Usage Examples
- The department head asked questions about a new employee’s proposal with the spirit of “A noble person is not ashamed to ask those below.” I was impressed by what a truly excellent person he is.
- It’s not embarrassing to have a younger colleague teach me how to use my smartphone. After all, “A noble person is not ashamed to ask those below.”
Universal Wisdom
Humans have a deep-rooted desire not to admit what they don’t know. This is especially true in front of younger people or those in lower positions.
Exposing our ignorance feels like it damages our pride. This psychology hasn’t changed from ancient China to modern Japan.
Yet this proverb has been passed down for thousands of years. Perhaps it’s because humans instinctively understand its truth.
Real strength doesn’t come from hiding what you don’t know. It comes from the courage to admit it.
What’s interesting is that this proverb uses “kunshi” (noble person) as its subject. This represents the highest character ideal.
In other words, it shows a paradox: the attitude of humble learning is what makes a person truly excellent. It’s not the amount of knowledge, but the attitude of continuous learning that determines a person’s worth.
Everyone has a desire for recognition and respect. But our ancestors saw through this.
True respect doesn’t come from pretending to be perfect. It comes from the humility to learn honestly.
People who avoid questions to protect their pride learn less than those who learn regardless of status. The humble learners grow more and earn more trust from others.
This proverb concisely conveys this truth about human society.
When AI Hears This
In information theory, the value of information is determined by its “unpredictability.” Information you already know or can predict provides almost no new value.
For example, a weather forecast saying “the sun will rise from the east tomorrow” has no value.
What’s interesting here is the act of asking questions of people with less knowledge than you. At first glance, you might think “I should ask someone above me.”
But actually, people in lower positions have completely different experiences and perspectives from yours. This “difference” is what information theory calls a high-entropy state.
It’s an unpredictable state with high information content.
Let’s think concretely. If you’re a business owner, you can mostly predict what other business owners will say.
But the customer expressions and small discomforts that a new part-time worker on the floor notices don’t exist in your knowledge system at all.
The key to improving the entire system is hidden in these “blind spots.”
Shannon, the founder of information theory, proved that the higher the diversity of information sources, the more information you can obtain.
When a noble person abandons shame and asks those below, they’re employing a rational strategy. They pay an emotional cost to increase their information channels and fill in the blind spots of their perception.
Lessons for Today
In modern society, change happens quickly. We live in an era where everyone constantly becomes a beginner.
Someone who was an expert yesterday becomes a novice today when facing new technology. In such times, this proverb teaches us something important.
The flexibility to keep learning is your greatest weapon.
At work, at school, or in daily life, do you hesitate to ask younger or less experienced people when you encounter something you don’t understand?
That hesitation stops your growth.
What’s important is understanding that asking questions isn’t weakness—it’s proof of strength. Isn’t it far more embarrassing to pretend you know and make wrong decisions?
Starting today, have the courage to say “please teach me,” regardless of the other person’s position or age.
Those words will help you grow. They’ll deepen trust with people around you and open doors to a richer life.
A truly excellent person isn’t someone who’s perfect. It’s someone who can humbly continue learning.
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