How to Read “人間万事金の世の中”
Ningen banji kane no yo no naka
Meaning of “人間万事金の世の中”
This proverb expresses the reality that all things in the world are influenced by money.
Rather than ideals or pretenses, it points out the realistic structure of society where economic power holds great influence in actual society. While spiritual values such as love, friendship, justice, and morality are important, this expression acknowledges the fact that there are many problems in real life that cannot be solved without money.
This proverb is used when feeling the gap between ideals and reality, or when acutely feeling the necessity of money. It does not promote money supremacy at all, but rather contains practical wisdom that encourages us to calmly observe reality and deal with it appropriately. Even today, when facing problems that cannot be solved without money such as living expenses, education costs, and medical expenses, it is understood as words that express an attitude of accepting this reality while working on it positively.
Origin and Etymology
When researching the origin of this proverb, there is actually no established theory about its clear source or period of formation. However, judging from the structure of the words, it is thought to be deeply related to the development of commercial society during the Edo period.
The expression “human beings all things” may have been influenced by “Human affairs are like Sai Weng’s horse” derived from the Chinese classic “Huainanzi.” By combining this word “all things” with “money’s world inside,” it probably expressed the reality that all matters of life are influenced by money.
From the mid-Edo period onward, as commerce developed and the monetary economy penetrated society, even the samurai class found themselves in situations where they had to rely on economic power. Against this social background, it is presumed that it became established as words expressing the reality that one cannot live on idealism alone.
Particularly from the Genroku period to the Kyoho period when merchant culture flourished, the increased opportunities for common people to experience the reality of money’s power moving society may have influenced the spread of this proverb. As an expression that matched the realistic temperament of Edo people, it was probably passed down from mouth to mouth.
Usage Examples
- Children’s education costs money, and since it’s Human beings all things money’s world inside, let’s save money properly
- Only when I got sick did I truly realize that it’s Human beings all things money’s world inside
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex. As digitalization progresses, the forms of money have diversified from cash to cashless payments and virtual currencies, and the scope of economic activities has expanded to a global scale.
With the spread of social media, economic disparities have become more visible in modern times, and many people may feel the realistic awareness that this proverb holds more acutely. Money-related concerns have become more complex than ever, including rising education costs, medical expense burdens, and anxiety about retirement funds.
On the other hand, in modern times, the value system that “money is not everything” has also become stronger. More people value work-life balance and spiritual richness, and lifestyles that do not necessarily pursue high income have come to be recognized as options.
However, the reality that economic power is necessary to support basic living foundations remains unchanged. Rather, in the information society, knowledge and technology have become the power to generate money, and the structure of “Human beings all things money’s world inside” exists in a more refined form.
In modern times, many people understand this proverb not as mere money worship, but as words showing the importance of economic literacy.
When AI Hears This
“In this world, money is everything” emerged during the chaotic transition period of the Edo era, when Japan underwent a dramatic shift from a rice and barter-based society to a monetary economy—making this expression truly a “cry of the times.”
Until the early Edo period, rural communities used rice as their fundamental measure of value, while craftsmen made their living through skills and trust-based relationships. However, with the development of commerce, everything suddenly became measured by the abstract concept of “money.” To put this in modern terms, it would be like being told tomorrow that all human relationships would be determined solely by your social media follower count—the shock must have been immense.
What’s particularly fascinating is the dual structure of “resignation” and “criticism” embedded in this proverb. While it appears to accept reality on the surface, the extreme expression “everything” reveals a deep discomfort with the standardization of values that money brought about. The bewilderment toward a world where samurai honor, craftsmen’s pride, and even family bonds could all be measured by “money” is condensed into these few words.
Perhaps our modern tendency to say “money isn’t everything” while ultimately judging things by economic value is actually a manifestation of this “incomplete adaptation” to the monetary economy that has persisted since the Edo period.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of balancing ideals and reality. Money is not everything, but true richness may begin with having the courage to honestly acknowledge that there are problems that cannot be solved without money.
What’s important is to view money not as a purpose but as a means. Establishing an economic foundation for what you truly value, the people you want to protect, and the dreams you want to realize is not shameful at all. Rather, it can be said to be the attitude of a responsible adult.
In modern society, learning about money is becoming increasingly important. By acquiring knowledge about investment, insurance, and taxes, you can become wiser in dealing with money. This proverb teaches us the necessity of such realistic learning.
Rather than being controlled by money, please walk your own path in life by making money your ally. The true wisdom that this proverb conveys is the strength to accept reality while not losing hope.
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