How to Read “物は相談”
mono wa soudan
Meaning of “物は相談”
“Things are consultation” means that no matter what the issue, instead of worrying about it alone, if you consult with someone, you can find some kind of solution or new perspective.
This proverb is used when someone is carrying problems or worries alone. Whether it’s work troubles, relationship concerns, anxiety about the future, or any other matter, it teaches the importance of first talking to someone you trust.
Why do we use this expression? It’s because talking to someone helps organize your thoughts, allows you to learn about solutions you wouldn’t have thought of yourself, or simply makes you feel better. Even if the person you consult doesn’t have a specific solution, just having someone listen often leads to new insights.
Even in modern times, this way of thinking is extremely effective. While information is easily available on the internet, specific advice suited to your situation and emotional support can only be obtained through dialogue with people.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of “Things are consultation,” there is actually no clear documentary evidence, but it is said to be an old proverb that has been used since the Edo period.
Looking at how this expression was formed, the word “things” holds an important key. In modern times, “things” refers to objects, but in classical language, it was often used to mean “matters” or “affairs.” In other words, the “things” in “Things are consultation” is thought to refer to all kinds of matters and problems.
The word “consultation” has also undergone interesting changes. Originally, it meant “to discuss with each other,” that is, to talk together. The idea is embedded that rather than thinking alone, we find clues to solutions by exchanging words with others.
In the merchant culture of the Edo period, neighborhood relationships in tenements and human relationships in business were extremely important. When there were troubles, instead of carrying them alone, people would have others listen to their stories. The wisdom of such communities may be condensed in this proverb.
Also, in the samurai world, there was a concept called “group discussion,” and there was a culture of making important decisions through discussion among multiple people. It is presumed that such traditions of collective decision-making in Japanese society were also reflected in common proverbs.
Usage Examples
- If you’re unsure about whether to change jobs, things are consultation, so let’s have a senior colleague listen to your concerns
- Parenting worries are also things are consultation, so try consulting with experienced mom friends
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of “Things are consultation” has become more complex and multi-layered. In the information age, we can get instant answers by asking search engines or AI. However, this is precisely why the value of human-to-human consultation is being rerecognized.
With the spread of social media, the form of consultation has also changed greatly. In addition to traditional face-to-face consultation, options have expanded to include online consultation and anonymous consultation. Particularly among younger generations, there is a tendency to prefer consulting in online communities rather than consulting in real human relationships.
On the other hand, in our information-overloaded modern era, a new worry has emerged: “who should I consult with?” Consulting with experts, consulting with friends, consulting with family – each has different value, and we need to use them appropriately depending on the content of the consultation.
Also, with the rise of privacy consciousness, the simple idea that “you should consult about everything” is being reconsidered. We need to consider the balance between the benefits of consulting and the risks of sharing personal information.
In modern times, when practicing “Things are consultation,” we can say that a more strategic approach is required, including choosing consultation partners, choosing consultation methods, and organizing consultation content.
When AI Hears This
The human brain exhibits a fascinating phenomenon called the “rubber duck effect.” This term comes from a true story about programmers who would explain their code problems to a rubber duck and somehow find solutions. In other words, even when the listener provides no response, simply talking allows the brain to solve problems on its own.
Brain science explains this mechanism as follows: when we verbalize thoughts, a brain region called “Broca’s area” becomes activated, simultaneously strengthening its connection with the “prefrontal cortex,” which governs logical thinking. For example, in the process of transforming a vague feeling like “I’m somehow feeling anxious” into specific words such as “I’m actually worried about the deadline, particularly anxious about creating materials,” the brain organizes information internally, making solutions become visible.
Even more remarkable is research showing that speaking aloud increases brain blood flow by 20%. This improvement enhances memory retrieval, naturally bringing similar past experiences and knowledge to mind.
In cognitive psychology, this phenomenon is called “cognitive load reduction through externalization.” When thinking occurs only inside the head, the brain’s memory quickly becomes overloaded, but expressing thoughts as words creates new thinking space in the brain. Here lies the scientific basis for the wisdom that “talking things over helps.”
Lessons for Today
“Things are consultation” teaches modern people that there is no need to carry everything alone. We often tend to think that we must solve our own problems by ourselves, but that is not necessarily correct.
In modern society, specialization has become highly advanced, making it difficult for one person to judge everything. That’s precisely why the skill of finding appropriate consultation partners and discussing matters has become important.
Consulting is never a sign of weakness. Rather, it is positive action seeking better solutions. Through consultation, we gain new perspectives, broaden our options, and sometimes encounter unexpected solutions.
Also, consulting deepens connections with people. Someone who listens to your worries surely cares about you. And next time, when you become someone’s consultation partner, you can build relationships of mutual support.
To you who tends to try to handle everything alone in your busy daily life: sometimes stop and try talking to someone you trust. You will surely see new paths ahead.
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