How to Read “情けは人の為ならず”
Nasake wa hito no tame narazu
Meaning of “情けは人の為ならず”
The original meaning of “Compassion is not for person’s sake” is that “showing compassion to others is not only for that person’s benefit, but will eventually come back to benefit oneself as well.”
In other words, acts of kindness and consideration toward others may appear to benefit only the recipient at first glance, but in reality, that goodwill comes full circle and ultimately returns to you as positive results. This teaching is by no means advocating calculating behavior.
This proverb is used when someone thinks “helping others brings me no benefit” or when they’re about to turn a blind eye to someone in need. In such situations, you might say “No, no, as they say ‘Compassion is not for person’s sake'” to convey the value of good deeds.
Even in modern times, this way of thinking is extremely important. Cooperation at work, community volunteering, small daily acts of kindness—all of these ultimately enrich your human relationships and create an environment where you’ll receive help when you’re in trouble. This is truly the spirit of “Compassion is not for person’s sake.”
Origin and Etymology
“Compassion is not for person’s sake” is an old proverb that has been used since the Edo period, but there are multiple theories about its origin.
The most credible theory is that it originated from the Buddhist concept of “cause and effect.” Buddhism teaches that good deeds will inevitably return to oneself, and this teaching was deeply rooted in Japanese moral values. For common people during the Edo period, this way of thinking served as a guide for daily life.
The influence of Confucianism cannot be overlooked either. Confucianism emphasizes the concept of “benevolence,” teaching that compassion for others ultimately benefits society as a whole and oneself. This philosophy was widely embraced from the samurai class to townspeople during the Edo period.
Looking at the linguistic structure, the classical expression “tame narazu” is important. Unlike the modern Japanese “tame ni naranai,” the “tame narazu” here means “not only for the sake of.” In other words, it means that showing compassion is not only for the recipient’s sake, but will eventually benefit oneself as well.
The background to this proverb’s establishment lies in the communal society of the Edo period. Because it was an era when people couldn’t survive without helping each other, this teaching resonated with people’s hearts.
Usage Examples
- A neighbor asked for help with moving, but since “Compassion is not for person’s sake,” I’ll gladly cooperate
- I try to actively help colleagues when they’re in trouble—after all, they say “Compassion is not for person’s sake”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Compassion is not for person’s sake” has taken on more complex and interesting meanings. However, unfortunately, this proverb is currently misunderstood and misused by many people.
The most common misuse is interpreting it as “showing compassion to people doesn’t benefit them.” In other words, it’s increasingly used to mean “you shouldn’t spoil people” or “being strict is true kindness.” This is the complete opposite of the original meaning, but such misuse has spread due to the influence of modern individualistic values and self-responsibility theories.
On the other hand, in the age of social media and the internet, the original meaning of this proverb has become easier to experience firsthand. Kind acts and information sharing online spread instantly to many people and can return benefits to you in unexpected ways. Modern examples of “Compassion is not for person’s sake” can be found in crowdfunding, mutual following, exchanging reviews, and many other instances.
Moreover, as globalization advances, the importance of mutual understanding between different cultures and international cooperation has increased. The reality that cooperation among nations on environmental and economic problems that cannot be solved by one country alone ultimately benefits each nation’s interests could be called a modern version of “Compassion is not for person’s sake.”
The universal value this proverb holds remains unchanged no matter how times change.
When AI Hears This
Neuroscientists have recently discovered a phenomenon called “helper’s high,” which serves as scientific proof of this proverb. When we show kindness to others, our brains release massive amounts of “happiness hormones” like dopamine and serotonin, creating an exhilarating sensation similar to what we feel after light exercise.
What’s particularly fascinating are the results from fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) experiments. The moment subjects donated to charity, the nucleus accumbens—the core of the brain’s reward system—showed intense activity, with responses as strong as those triggered by eating delicious food or listening to favorite music. In other words, helping others is an instinctive “reward” for our brains.
Even more remarkable is how acts of kindness affect our bodies. People who regularly volunteer have blood pressure that’s 23% lower than non-volunteers, and they also experience reduced chronic pain, as confirmed by multiple studies. This happens because kindness activates the parasympathetic nervous system and decreases cortisol, the stress hormone.
People in the Edo period understood the truth that “showing compassion brings happiness to oneself” through experience, without knowing the complex neurological mechanisms behind it. What modern science has proven is that human brains have fundamentally evolved to “feel rewarded by altruistic behavior.”
Lessons for Today
What “Compassion is not for person’s sake” teaches us today is the importance of human connections. Perhaps this ancient wisdom resonates freshly precisely because we live in a modern society where individualism has grown stronger.
To practice this in daily life, start with small acts of kindness. Hold the elevator button for someone, offer to help a person carrying heavy luggage, assist a colleague with their work a little. Such small acts create a warm atmosphere around you.
This spirit is particularly powerful in the workplace. People who extend a helping hand when team members are in trouble naturally receive help when they themselves are in difficulty. This isn’t calculation—it’s the natural flow of human relationships.
What’s important is not expecting too much in return. If you think “I helped that person, so why won’t they help me?” you’ll ruin your good intentions. Compassion doesn’t necessarily return from the same person. Often, you receive benefits from unexpected places in unexpected ways.
Your small acts of kindness will surely create a wonderful cycle in your life. Why not start today?
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