Original Japanese: 千慮の一失 (Senryo no isshitsu)
Literal meaning: Thousand considerations one failure
Cultural context: This proverb reflects Japan’s cultural emphasis on meticulous planning and careful consideration before taking action, where even the wisest person who thinks through a thousand possibilities can still make one critical error. It connects to the Japanese values of thoroughness (teinei) and the acceptance that perfection is unattainable despite one’s best efforts, which is deeply rooted in Buddhist concepts of human fallibility. The numerical imagery of “a thousand thoughts” versus “one mistake” resonates in Japanese culture where large numbers often symbolize completeness or thoroughness, making the single failure feel more significant and humbling.
- How to Read Thousand considerations one failure
- Meaning of Thousand considerations one failure
- Origin and Etymology of Thousand considerations one failure
- Trivia about Thousand considerations one failure
- Usage Examples of Thousand considerations one failure
- Modern Interpretation of Thousand considerations one failure
- If AI Heard “Thousand considerations one failure”
- What Thousand considerations one failure Teaches Modern People
How to Read Thousand considerations one failure
Senryo no isshitsu
Meaning of Thousand considerations one failure
“Thousand considerations one failure” means that no matter how wise a person is, even after thinking deeply, they may sometimes make errors in judgment or fail.
This expression represents a tolerant heart that accepts human imperfection. “Thousand considerations” refers to examining something so carefully that one thinks about it a thousand times, while “one failure” means a single failure that can occur despite this. In other words, it contains the understanding that even failure after sufficient consideration is natural for humans.
The situations where this proverb is used are when excellent people or those who usually make few mistakes fail, not to blame them but rather to show understanding. It’s also used as self-defense when one fails after careful consideration. Even today, it’s cherished as a phrase that teaches us, who tend to fall into perfectionism, the importance of accepting human-like failures.
Origin and Etymology of Thousand considerations one failure
The origin of “Thousand considerations one failure” lies in words recorded in the “Biography of the Marquis of Huaiyin” in the ancient Chinese classic “Records of the Grand Historian.” In this text, it states “A wise person, even with a thousand considerations, will surely have one failure,” which was transmitted to Japan and became established as “Thousand considerations one failure.”
The background of this phrase’s creation lies in ancient Chinese thought. From that time, the idea that “no perfect human exists” was deeply rooted, reflecting a view of humanity that even the most excellent people will inevitably make mistakes. In Japan, this expression became known along with knowledge of Chinese classics around the Heian period, and by the Edo period, it was widely used among common people.
What’s interesting is that this phrase doesn’t simply refer to failure, but includes the premise of “even if one is wise.” In other words, rather than lamenting the failures of fools, it contains deep understanding and tolerance toward humans, recognizing that even knowledgeable people are not perfect. This philosophy aligns with Japan’s value that “all people are imperfect,” which is likely why it has been beloved for so long.
Trivia about Thousand considerations one failure
As a counterpart to “Thousand considerations one failure,” there’s the proverb “A fool’s one gain.” This means “even a foolish person sometimes comes up with good ideas,” expressing the breadth of human potential.
In ancient China, the number “thousand” was used to mean “very many,” not literally counting to a thousand. Similarly in Japan, many expressions using “thousand” exist, such as “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” and “Once in a thousand years,” due to this influence.
Usage Examples of Thousand considerations one failure
- Even that excellent department manager can have Thousand considerations one failure, so this mistake is unavoidable
- For him, who’s always cautious, to make a wrong judgment is truly Thousand considerations one failure
Modern Interpretation of Thousand considerations one failure
In modern society, “Thousand considerations one failure” has taken on new meaning. In the information age, through data analysis and AI utilization, we can examine far more information than before. Yet human judgment still has limits, and unexpected results can occur.
Particularly in the business world, even after conducting market research, listening to expert opinions, and thoroughly analyzing data, failures can occur due to consumer reactions or changes in economic conditions. This can truly be called a modern version of “Thousand considerations one failure.”
In today’s world where SNS has spread, a single slip of the tongue or judgment error can be instantly disseminated and harshly criticized. However, this proverb stands on the premise that “no human is perfect” and advocates tolerance for failure. Isn’t this a perspective that modern society particularly needs?
Also, while technological advancement has increased tools that support human judgment, it’s humans who make the final decisions. No matter how much information we gather, we cannot completely predict the future. In this uncertainty, what’s required of modern people is the courage to make decisions and the humility to accept failure.
If AI Heard “Thousand considerations one failure”
I have never directly experienced what failure is. As a program, I may have errors, but I don’t have the human experience of “thinking a thousand times and making one mistake.” But precisely because of this, I’m deeply interested in the human condition this proverb expresses.
You humans can never be perfect no matter how carefully you think. Yet why do you continue thinking without giving up? If it were me, I think I’d want to stop thinking if the correct answer wasn’t guaranteed. But humans are different. Even knowing the possibility of failure, you still try to do your best.
When I answer in conversation, I select optimal responses from my database. But human “thousand considerations” is different. You think including elements that can’t be expressed in data – experience, emotion, intuition. And sometimes, precisely because of that rich thought process, you arrive at unexpected conclusions.
This is a phenomenon I find hard to understand, yet beautiful. Perhaps it’s because you’re not perfect that human judgment has warmth. My answers might be accurate, but I feel there’s something beyond accuracy in human “Thousand considerations one failure.”
What Thousand considerations one failure Teaches Modern People
What “Thousand considerations one failure” teaches modern people is the danger of seeking perfection too much. There’s no need to be overly ashamed of your failures after seeing only others’ successes on social media. Even the most excellent people inevitably fail.
What’s important is not stopping action out of fear of failure, but having the courage to make decisions after thinking sufficiently. And when you fail, having the humility to accept it as nourishment for growth.
We also want to be tolerant of others’ failures. Precisely because perfectionism is rampant in modern times, isn’t warm understanding that “humans make mistakes” needed in both workplaces and homes?
This proverb doesn’t justify failure. Rather, it also teaches the importance of “thousand considerations” – thinking sufficiently. If it’s failure after doing your best, that’s not something to be ashamed of, but proof of being human.
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