How to Read “水清ければ魚棲まず”
Mizu kiyoshi kereba uo suma zu
Meaning of “水清ければ魚棲まず”
This proverb means that when someone is too pure and upright or demands too much perfection, people will naturally stay away from them.
Just as water that is too clear lacks nutrients and microorganisms that fish need to survive, in human relationships, people naturally drift away from those who pursue ideals and morals too rigidly without flexibility. This teaches us that sometimes tolerance and flexibility are necessary in leadership and interpersonal relationships.
Think of an overly perfectionist boss at work or a friend who always speaks in absolutes. While they may not be saying anything wrong, being around them can feel suffocating. This proverb is used in such situations. It contains the deep insight that humans have weaknesses and imperfections, and the magnanimity to accept these qualities is what leads to true charm and popularity.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “If water is clear, fish do not dwell” traces back to the phrase “水至清則無魚、人至察則無徒” in the ancient Chinese text “Da Dai Li Ji.” This meant “If water is too clear, fish cannot live; if a person is too scrutinizing, they will have no companions.”
This teaching originally emerged as political advice for rulers and leaders. In ancient China, the political philosophy that a monarch who was too strict with subordinates would drive people away was highly valued. It was a clever metaphor that overlaid natural principles—that water too clear cannot nurture microorganisms and small creatures, resulting in no food for fish and thus no fish can live there—with lessons about human relationships.
This teaching came to Japan around the Heian period along with Buddhism and Confucianism, and by the Edo period it was widely known among common people. In Japan, it particularly took root as a teaching that warns against the harmful effects of demanding too much perfection, and came to be understood in connection with the value of “accepting both the pure and the impure.”
Interesting Facts
Regarding the “clear water” that appears in this proverb, there are interesting phenomena in actual ecology as well. Water that is extremely clear, like spring water, is known to have low biodiversity because it has too few nutrients. Conversely, moderately turbid water is rich in phytoplankton, has active food chains, and can support many fish.
In the era when this proverb was born in ancient China, people had already observed such mechanisms in nature and used them as lessons for human society. It’s amazing how deep the wisdom gained from experience and observation was, even without scientific knowledge.
Usage Examples
- That department manager only speaks in absolutes, and it’s like “if water is clear, fish do not dwell”—subordinates are increasingly requesting transfers
- I missed my chance at marriage by demanding too perfect a partner; it was truly “if water is clear, fish do not dwell”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multifaceted. With the spread of social media, an environment has emerged where individuals’ statements and actions are constantly monitored, creating a state of “water that is too clear” on a daily basis.
In corporations, the strict enforcement of compliance has made it difficult to make “gray zone” judgments that would have been acceptable before. While this certainly prevents misconduct, it also tends to stifle creativity and challenging initiatives. The reason startup companies tend to produce more innovative services compared to large corporations may be because they have a culture that tolerates a certain degree of “turbidity.”
On the other hand, in modern times, voices demanding “clear water” have also grown stronger. Criticism of political corruption and corporate cover-ups is harsh, with transparency and accountability being emphasized. However, demanding too much perfection can create leaders who fear risk and cannot make any decisions, or organizations that fear failure and refuse to take on challenges.
What modern society needs is tolerance that accepts human-like imperfections and diversity while maintaining basic ethical standards. Finding the balance between perfect transparency and appropriate flexibility has become a major challenge for modern society.
When AI Hears This
When we examine “Clear water harbors no fish” through the lens of ecology, a surprising scientific truth emerges.
Completely transparent water is actually a “malnourished desert” for living organisms. For fish to survive, they need tiny plankton and microorganisms in the water. These thrive precisely in slightly murky water. In other words, moderate “contamination” is the source of life.
Modern ecology has a theory called the “intermediate disturbance hypothesis.” When environments are too stable or when changes are too dramatic, the variety of species decreases. The discovery shows that when there are moderate changes, the most diverse range of creatures can coexist.
For example, in forests, occasional small wildfires promote the growth of new plants, which in turn increases animal diversity. Even in coral reefs, areas with moderate wave disturbance attract more fish species.
This principle is proven with numbers as well. Research measuring biodiversity shows a curve where the number of species peaks in locations with moderate environmental change. Life flourishes more abundantly in places with a bit of commotion rather than in completely quiet environments.
Ancient people intuited this ecological core truth without scientific data. It was a profound insight that “moderate chaos” rather than “overly pure perfection” generates abundance.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the gentle message that “it’s okay not to be perfect.” In an era where we compare ourselves to others’ seemingly brilliant social media posts and feel depressed, or feel pressure from demands for perfect results at work, this teaching resonates deeply.
What’s important is having appropriate tolerance for both yourself and others. Rather than trying to hide failures and weaknesses, accept them as part of being human. By doing so, people around you will feel comfortable being near you.
If you’re in a leadership position, rather than harshly pursuing subordinates’ small mistakes, cherish an attitude of watching over their growth. In friendships, rather than pointing out others’ flaws, find and nurture their good points. Such generosity of spirit will cultivate rich human relationships.
Striving for perfection is wonderful, but equally beautiful is the magnanimity to accept imperfection. It would be wonderful if you could become the kind of warm presence that naturally draws people to you.
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