How to Read “名を捨てて実を取る”
Na wo sutete jitsu wo toru
Meaning of “名を捨てて実を取る”
“Throw away name and take substance” means to prioritize substantial benefits and results over external appearances such as honor, dignity, and vanity.
This proverb teaches that when people are faced with difficult decisions, they should choose what is actually beneficial and valuable to them rather than superficial attractiveness or social appearances. “Name” refers to invisible values such as fame, reputation, pride, and face, while “substance” means substantial values such as concrete benefits, results, and practicality.
This proverb is used when one is forced to choose between keeping up appearances or taking practical benefits. For example, it’s used when someone is torn between continuing a prestigious job or switching to a better-paying job, or when deciding whether to strain themselves to maintain appearances or make a realistic choice. Even in modern times, for those of us who tend to be caught up in social media appearances and social expectations, this is a very meaningful proverb that serves as a guide for discerning what is truly important.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Throw away name and take substance” is thought to be rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy. This expression represents the idea of valuing substantial benefits and results over external appearances such as honor and dignity, reflecting a pragmatic value system.
In Japan, it was particularly valued within merchant culture during the Edo period. For merchants of that time, pursuing actual business success and profits rather than being concerned with honor and formality like samurai was the key to survival. “Name” referred to invisible values such as fame, reputation, and face, while “substance” meant concrete benefits, results, and substantial value.
This way of thinking was also an expression of pragmatism that contrasted with Confucian theory of social status. While the samurai class valued social distinctions, the merchant class built a culture that emphasized actual results. In the worlds of tea ceremony and art, it was also used in the context of valuing essential beauty and spirit over superficial technique.
This proverb became widely established because it is deeply connected to the practical and realistic values of the Japanese people. As wisdom for discerning what is truly important without being caught up in vanity and appearances, it has been beloved for a long time.
Usage Examples
- My new job pays less, but I decided to throw away name and take substance
- Rather than buying a luxury car to show off, let’s throw away name and take substance and get a used practical car
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “Throw away name and take substance” has taken on more complex meanings. In today’s social media age, many people become obsessed with numerical “names” such as the number of “likes” and followers, and tend to lose sight of substantial happiness and growth. Due to influencer culture and increased desire for approval, there is a strong tendency to emphasize visual glamour and topicality.
On the other hand, this proverb has gained new interpretation in the context of work style reform. An increasing number of people are choosing work-life balance and living authentically rather than corporate titles or social status. People making choices that are not bound by conventional “names,” such as freelancing, side jobs, and moving to rural areas, are gaining attention.
However, in modern times, the boundary between “name” and “substance” has become ambiguous. In an era where personal branding is emphasized, “name” itself can sometimes become “substance.” For YouTubers and bloggers, fame and reputation become direct sources of income.
Moreover, in today’s information-overloaded world, it has become difficult to discern what truly valuable “substance” is. The ability to make judgments to select what is truly important to oneself without being misled by superficial information is required more than ever.
When AI Hears This
Looking at posts that “go viral” on social media, we can see a phenomenon where many people lose sight of their original purpose in pursuit of momentary attention. For example, a cooking account that genuinely started from a love of food gradually shifts to pursuing only Instagram-worthy appearances, neglecting taste and nutrition. This is the exact opposite of “abandoning fame to gain substance.”
Psychological research has confirmed the “undermining effect,” where over-reliance on extrinsic motivation (evaluation from others) leads to decreased intrinsic motivation (genuine interest and satisfaction). In other words, the more we chase follower counts and likes, the less essential joy we derive from the activity itself.
What’s fascinating is that truly influential people tend to care less about the numbers. Many of the most successful educational YouTube channels prioritize “whether viewers actually learn something” over view counts. They intentionally abandon “fame” (short-term attention) to gain “substance” (long-term value creation).
While modern social media is filled with mechanisms that stimulate our need for validation, this proverb has been teaching us for 500 years about the importance of distinguishing between “being noticed” and “being valuable.”
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is the importance of having the eye to discern essence. Precisely because we live in an era overflowing with information, we need the judgment to select what is truly valuable to us without being misled by superficial attractions.
What’s important is not completely denying “name.” Sometimes honor and dignity are necessary, but we shouldn’t become so caught up in them that we lose sight of what’s important. Whether in career choices, relationships, or how we spend money, let’s have the courage to prioritize what our hearts truly seek over vanity and social expectations.
This proverb can also be interpreted as “choosing things that are valuable in the long term, even if results aren’t immediately visible.” Learning and experiences that are accumulated steadily often become greater assets in the end than short-term evaluation or attention.
When you’re torn about some choice, remember this proverb. If you don’t worry too much about others’ opinions and walk the path that truly has meaning for your life, results that truly satisfy you from the heart will surely be waiting.
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