How to Read “無いが意見の総じまい”
Nai ga iken no sōjimai
Meaning of “無いが意見の総じまい”
This proverb means that the opinions of people without money, status, or ability are so off-target and worthless that they end discussions.
“Nai” (nothing) refers to lacking wealth, status, or ability, while “sōjimai” originally meant completely ending a business, and by extension represents the termination of discussions or negotiations. In other words, this is a sarcastic expression indicating that when people who have nothing interfere, their opinions are so unrealistic or off-target that proper discussion becomes impossible.
This proverb is used in situations where people without ability or experience present idealistic theories or empty arguments that hinder realistic discussions. Particularly in business or practical matters, the opinions of those without actual experience or capital are often unrealistic and obstruct constructive discussion. Even today, it’s understood as criticism of opinions from people who have only theory but no practical experience.
Origin and Etymology
The most credible theory about the origin of “There is no opinion’s conclusion” is that it emerged from the world of merchant houses and craftsmen during the Edo period. “Sōjimai” was a commercial term meaning to completely cease business or end everything.
The background to this expression lies in the strict class system of the Edo period and the issue of speaking rights within it. In the society of that time, opinions from those without status or wealth tended to be dismissed. Particularly in merchant houses, it was often considered inappropriate for those without capital or low status to voice opinions.
The word “nai” (nothing) encompassed not just lacking money, but also lacking social status and influence. The proverb is thought to have emerged with the sarcastic implication that when people in such positions voiced opinions, they were so off-target and meaningless that they would end discussions and negotiations, like closing down a business.
Within Edo townspeople culture, where meritocracy and realism were valued, it came to be used to warn against idealistic theories and empty arguments, becoming widely established among common people.
Interesting Facts
“Sōjimai” was specialized terminology used by Edo period merchants, equivalent to modern “going out of business” or “complete withdrawal.” What’s interesting is that this word didn’t simply mean ending business, but expressed the strong determination of “never getting involved again.”
In Edo period merchant houses, the hierarchy for voicing opinions was extremely strict, with speaking rights determined in order of head clerk, assistant, and apprentice. Since those without capital interfering in management often caused confusion in business policies, there was fertile ground for this proverb to emerge.
Usage Examples
- That person has no money but only talks about investments – it’s truly “There is no opinion’s conclusion”
- An inexperienced newcomer brandishing idealistic theories is what you’d call “There is no opinion’s conclusion”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb raises complex issues. In our information age, where access to knowledge and information has become equal, the idea that “opinions from people without money or status are worthless” has outdated aspects.
With the spread of SNS and the internet, we’ve entered an era where anyone can voice opinions regardless of economic status. In fact, it’s not uncommon for individuals without capital to propose innovative ideas that bring about major transformations. Many startup companies begin from a state of “having nothing.”
On the other hand, the “danger of empty theories not based on actual experience” that this proverb points out remains fully applicable today. Particularly online, irresponsible statements without actual experience or responsibility tend to proliferate. People casually discussing investment or entrepreneurship without ever having taken actual risks exemplify exactly what this proverb warns against.
In modern times, we need an attitude that values the basis and feasibility of opinions over the speaker’s economic status. However, it’s also important to recognize the value of opinions backed not just by theory but by practice.
When AI Hears This
Looking at social media phenomena, we’re struck by the sharp insight of this proverb. When analyzing the most viral posts on Twitter (now X) and Facebook, we find that definitive, emotional opinions from amateurs get retweeted far more than the cautious statements of experts.
The psychological concept known as the “Dunning-Kruger effect” explains this phenomenon. People with shallow knowledge tend to overestimate their abilities and speak with supreme confidence, while true experts become more cautious as their deeper knowledge helps them understand just how much they don’t know.
This pattern is particularly evident in how medical misinformation spreads. Doctors make careful statements like “individual results may vary” or “please consult a specialist,” but these posts receive little attention. Meanwhile, baseless claims like “this method will absolutely cure you!” spread like wildfire.
What’s even more fascinating is that social media algorithms prioritize “engagement,” which means they favor extreme opinions that spark debate. This creates a structure where the “empty barrel makes the most noise” phenomenon gets technically amplified.
It’s ironic that the human nature observed by people in the Edo period remains unchanged in the digital age – and is actually magnified by technology.
Lessons for Today
This proverb gives us the important lesson that “speech should be accompanied by responsibility and actual experience.” Precisely because we live in an era where opinions can be easily expressed on SNS, it reminds us of the importance of giving weight to our words.
Particularly when giving advice to others, let’s reflect on whether we have actual experience in that field. If our experience is limited, we can face others more sincerely by prefacing with “My experience is limited, but…”
This proverb also teaches “the value of first taking action and accumulating experience.” Only by actually taking on challenges and sometimes experiencing failure, in addition to theory and knowledge, can we come to hold convincing opinions.
In modern society, while it’s important to listen to voices from people with diverse backgrounds, we also need an attitude that respects wisdom backed by practice. Before speaking about something, why not first try to accumulate your own experience? That experience will surely give true value to your words.
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