How to Read “盗人にも三分の理”
nusubito nimo sanbu no ri
Meaning of “盗人にも三分の理”
This proverb means that no matter how bad someone’s actions are, there are some reasons or circumstances behind those actions, and they are not completely unreasonable.
In other words, even if an action appears wrong on the surface, there may be underlying circumstances such as poverty, family illness, or unavoidable situations. This does not justify wrongdoing, but teaches the importance of not judging things one-sidedly and trying to understand the other person’s position and situation. This proverb is used when encouraging someone to consider another person’s circumstances before criticizing their actions, or when hasty judgment should be avoided for complex problems. Even today, it is used as an expression of the importance of having a multifaceted perspective when considering interpersonal troubles and social issues.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Even thief has three parts reason” is said to have emerged from the merchant society of the Edo period. The expression “three parts reason” is an interesting point. In the Edo period, there was a custom of expressing things in terms of ten parts, and “three parts” meant three out of ten parts, or about 30% legitimacy.
The background to this proverb’s establishment lies in the realistic life philosophy of common people during the Edo period. In the society of that time, there was a large gap between the samurai class and merchants and farmers, and it was not uncommon for people in financial distress to turn to theft. However, even such acts were not considered completely unreasonable, and there was a deep understanding of humanity that there might be some circumstances or reasons behind them.
Moreover, in the merchant culture of the Edo period, there was a trend of valuing “emotion,” and the attitude of trying to understand not just superficial good and evil, but the situation and feelings of the person was cherished. This proverb is also thought to have been born from such a humanistic value system. Rather than simple moral instruction, it has been passed down among common people as wisdom for accepting the complex realities of human society.
Usage Examples
- I can’t understand that person’s behavior, but as they say “Even thief has three parts reason,” perhaps there are some circumstances
- Her judgment was wrong, but “Even thief has three parts reason,” so she probably had her own reasoning
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, we can see changes in the interpretation of this proverb. In the information age, it has become easy for us to instantly judge others’ actions and criticize them on social media and other platforms. However, with only such superficial information, we cannot see the true circumstances or background of that person.
Particularly in cases of social media controversies and social issues, the teaching of this proverb holds important meaning. Behind seemingly incomprehensible actions, various factors such as mental illness, economic hardship, and family environment problems may be hidden. In modern times, there is a strong tendency to make simple good-and-evil judgments without understanding such complex backgrounds.
On the other hand, cases of misuse of this proverb are also increasing. It is sometimes used to defend obvious criminal acts or ethical violations, but the original meaning is not to justify wrongdoing. Rather, it teaches the compassionate heart of trying to understand the other person’s position before making judgments.
In today’s diverse society, coexistence with people of different values and cultural backgrounds is required. The spirit of this proverb serves as an important guideline for accepting such diversity and deepening mutual understanding.
When AI Hears This
On modern social media, when someone makes a problematic statement, tens of thousands of critical comments flood in within just a few hours. However, interestingly, research shows that about 70% of online backlash comes from people who judged based on “only the initial post.” In other words, they label someone as the “bad guy” before hearing their explanation, apology, or background circumstances.
The act of “listening to the other side’s argument” taught by “even a thief has their reasons” actually holds important meaning from a neuroscience perspective. The human brain has a trait called “confirmation bias,” where it assumes the first information received is correct. For example, it’s that phenomenon where if you first hear bad things about a friend, you’ll doubt any good things you hear about them afterward.
However, the act of “listening to their reasons” puts the brakes on this bias. By thinking from the other person’s perspective, the brain’s “empathy circuits” activate, enabling calm judgment.
Cancel culture stems from a “sense of justice,” but in reality, “justice without a listening ear” is no different from violence. This proverb has been teaching us the “wisdom to pause and reflect” that’s especially necessary in the digital age, and it’s been doing so for hundreds of years.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of the wisdom of not rushing to judgment. Precisely because information spreads instantly on social media today, it is important to not judge people based only on superficial information, but to take a step back and try to imagine the other person’s circumstances.
Whether at work or at home, there may be people who take incomprehensible actions. At such times, thinking “why do they do that” and putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. This attitude leads to enriching human relationships and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
Also, this proverb teaches us kindness toward ourselves. By not blaming our imperfect selves too much and accepting that “I too had my circumstances,” we can move forward positively.
What’s important is not justifying bad things, but cultivating a heart of mutual understanding as wisdom for living in complex human society. This ancient teaching may have even deeper meaning in modern society where diversity is required.
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