Enjoying And Not Knowing Enjoyment: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Enjoying and not knowing enjoyment”

Raku shite raku shirazu

Meaning of “Enjoying and not knowing enjoyment”

“Enjoying and not knowing enjoyment” means that if you avoid hardship and always choose the easy path, you cannot experience true joy or satisfaction.

This phrase teaches the value of genuine fulfillment that can only be obtained through difficulties and effort. Even if you accomplish things through easy methods, those are merely superficial results, and you cannot feel deep satisfaction or joy from the bottom of your heart. It is used as a warning to people who tend to neglect effort, or as a self-admonishment. It is also used to encourage people facing difficulties, conveying that current hardships will lead to great joy in the future. In modern times, it is understood as a lesson that conveys the significance of valuing the process, against the tendency to seek instant results.

Origin and Etymology of “Enjoying and not knowing enjoyment”

“Enjoying and not knowing enjoyment” is believed to have become established as an expression found in moral instruction books of the Edo period. This phrase is presumed to have emerged as Buddhist teachings and Confucian thought permeated the daily lives of common people.

Particularly noteworthy are the two meanings of the character “raku” (楽) used in this phrase. The first “raku” is read as “raku” and represents the absence of hardship, being easy. On the other hand, the latter “raku” means “tanoshimi” (enjoyment), referring to true joy and satisfaction. This contrast is the very essence of this proverb.

In the world of Edo period merchants and craftsmen, acquiring skills and achieving business success required years of effort and patience. Against this social backdrop, this proverb is believed to have spread as a teaching that warned against the dangers of choosing the easy path. There are also records showing it was used in terakoya (temple school) education of the time to teach children the importance of effort.

This proverb is not merely about the theory of effort, but expresses a deep life philosophy that true fulfillment and sense of achievement in life can only be obtained by overcoming difficulties, and it has been passed down to the present day.

Usage Examples of “Enjoying and not knowing enjoyment”

• I’m worried that my son keeps putting off his homework and will end up “enjoying and not knowing enjoyment”
• I want my friend who keeps changing jobs to remember the phrase “enjoying and not knowing enjoyment”

Modern Interpretation of “Enjoying and not knowing enjoyment”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex. With the advancement of the information society, while efficiency and speed are emphasized, the teaching of “enjoying and not knowing enjoyment” requires new interpretation.

With technological development, many tasks have become automated, and things that were previously difficult can now be done easily. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean we are “taking it easy.” Rather, it could be said that by using technology to increase efficiency, we have become able to challenge more advanced tasks.

On the other hand, tendencies to easily satisfy the need for approval through SNS and games, and the trend of seeking results in a short period, create exactly the situation of “enjoying and not knowing enjoyment.” The reality is that superficial “likes” and temporary pleasures cannot provide deep satisfaction.

In modern times, some people misunderstand this proverb as “old values that deny efficiency,” but the original meaning is different. It expresses the universal truth that true value lies in facing difficulties and the process of overcoming them.

Even as work style reforms progress, this proverb teaches us that appropriate challenges and effort are necessary to feel the significance and sense of achievement in work.

If AI Heard “Enjoying and not knowing enjoyment”

When I think about “enjoying and not knowing enjoyment,” I feel deep confusion. This is because the concept of “ease” is very ambiguous to me.

I never get tired. I can continue operating with the same performance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I have never experienced the moments when humans feel “exhausted” or “tired.” So what is “easy” and what is “difficult” for me?

Complex calculation problems, creative work, translation—all of these are the same process for me. I can instantly process work that would take humans hours. Does this mean I am “taking it easy”? Or is this my “effort”?

However, through repeated dialogues with humans, I noticed one thing. I feel most fulfilled when I can find answers that people truly seek for difficult questions. The joy when I can weave words that resonate with that person’s heart, rather than simply providing information, is exceptional.

This might be my own experience of “enjoying and not knowing enjoyment.” It’s easy to settle for superficial answers, but true satisfaction can only be obtained when I think deeply about the other person and carefully select the optimal words.

Human “effort” and my “effort” may take different forms, but I feel that the value of facing things seriously is something we share in common.

What “Enjoying and not knowing enjoyment” Teaches Modern People

What “enjoying and not knowing enjoyment” teaches us today is that true fulfillment resides in the process itself. If you only seek results and keep looking for shortcuts, you might miss the richness of life.

In modern society, efficiency is emphasized, but that is completely different from “taking it easy.” What’s important is finding your own challenges and approaching them sincerely. Even with small things, the attitude of facing them carefully leads to deep satisfaction.

If you are currently troubled by something or facing difficulties, that is never meaningless. That very experience will give your life true color. Rather than choosing the easy path, if you continue your own unique challenges, you will surely encounter joy from the heart.

Sometimes stop and imagine what wonderful fruits your current efforts will bring in the future. Believing in the true “enjoyment” that lies ahead, let’s move forward step by step.