How to Read “A noble person avoids three edges”
Kunshi wa santan wo saku
Meaning of “A noble person avoids three edges”
This proverb teaches that a virtuous and admirable person should protect themselves by avoiding three extreme positions that easily invite danger.
The “three edges” refer to sharp, prominent positions that stand out. Places where people’s attention and jealousy gather also increase the risk of attack or being trapped.
These include the center of power struggles, the peak of wealth, and the height of fame.
People use this proverb to warn against excessive behavior or to explain the importance of humility.
Even in modern society, examples never stop appearing. People seek too much attention on social media and face backlash. Others rise rapidly in organizations and earn resentment from those around them.
Truly wise people don’t push themselves forward more than necessary. They take care not to place themselves in extreme positions.
This isn’t cowardice. It’s wisdom for protecting one’s position from a long-term perspective and exercising power sustainably.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is believed to originate from ancient Chinese philosophical thought.
The word “kunshi” (noble person) itself represents the ideal human figure in Confucian thought. This proverb is also presumed to be influenced by Confucian wisdom for living in the world.
The character “tan” (edge) in “santan” (three edges) means “edge” or “tip.” The edges of things are sharp and pointed. Standing there involves danger.
This “edge” is used as a metaphor for “dangerous positions” and “extreme situations.”
So which three edges does it specifically refer to? There are various theories about this.
Generally, it’s interpreted as “the edge of power,” “the edge of wealth,” and “the edge of fame.” These are places where people gather and conflicts easily arise.
Another interpretation says it refers to “the edge of beginnings,” “the edge of peaks,” and “the edge of endings.” These are periods of intense change and instability.
In any case, “edges” are prominent places that attract attention. The recognition that danger inevitably accompanies such places is embedded in this saying.
The teaching contained in this proverb is that a noble person should avoid such precarious places and walk the middle path.
Usage Examples
- He has real ability, but following the spirit of “A noble person avoids three edges,” he deliberately chooses an inconspicuous position
- It’s fine to lead in the promotion race, but as they say “A noble person avoids three edges,” moderation is best
Universal Wisdom
In human society, across all times and places, there exists the truth that higher places are more dangerous.
This proverb has been passed down for hundreds of years. This is because human nature includes the emotion of wanting to pull down prominent figures.
Those who stand at the top certainly grasp glory. But at the same time, that brilliance attracts countless gazes and becomes a target of jealousy and hostility.
People have the sad nature of being unable to genuinely rejoice in others’ success. Especially when that success is rapid, the emotions of those around become complicated.
What’s interesting is that this proverb teaches to “avoid edges.” It doesn’t say not to succeed.
It simply advises not to flaunt that success and not to cling to extreme positions. This is wisdom that sees through the essence of human relationships.
People feel more affinity for someone with a few gaps than for an absolute powerhouse.
The expression “three edges” is also suggestive. Dangerous places are not just one but multiple.
In every scene of life, we face the temptation to run to extremes. Power, wealth, fame, or even a sense of justice and idealism become blades that destroy us when taken to extremes.
Our ancestors saw through the fact that balance is the key to survival.
When AI Hears This
The “edges” that a noble person should avoid actually hide mathematical reasons. In risk theory, the way danger increases differs completely between the center and edges of a normal distribution.
For example, ordinary judgment errors occur in the central part. Here, even if you fail, the impact is limited and somewhat predictable.
However, at the “edges,” meaning extreme situations, risk increases not linearly but non-linearly, accelerating rapidly.
In financial engineering, this is called a “fat tail.” Extreme events that should be negligibly small in normal probability distributions actually occur with unexpected frequency, and the damage is orders of magnitude larger.
Specifically, if you make 10 judgment errors in the center, you get 10 losses. But at the edges, 10 errors can produce 100 or 1000 losses.
This follows a mathematical law called “power law.” The 2008 Lehman Shock was also triggered by judgment errors at these edge points.
Ancient sages saw through experience that unpredictable amplification mechanisms work at “edges,” even without using formulas.
The edge of youth, the edge of old age, the edges of poverty and power. In these boundary regions, not only does human judgment become dull, but the cost of failure jumps exponentially.
That’s why a noble person intentionally chooses the middle way.
Lessons for Today
For those of us living in modern times, this proverb teaches “the danger of standing out too much.”
In today’s social media age, anyone can easily attract attention. But the risks of backlash and slander have also increased. When you feel tempted to promote yourself excessively, remember these words.
The same applies in the workplace. Aiming for promotion is wonderful. But if you show your ambition too openly, you’ll earn resentment from those around you.
Polish your abilities while not forgetting humility. That’s the secret to continuing to thrive for a long time.
What’s important is that this doesn’t recommend a passive way of living. Rather, it’s an active strategy for sustainable success.
Long-term stability over temporary brilliance. Continuous growth over momentary victory. For that, you sometimes need the courage to step back.
Your life is not a sprint but a marathon. Consider your pacing and keep running in a sustainable position.
That is ultimately the way to reach the farthest point. Avoid extremes and maintain balance. That wisdom will protect and nurture you.
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