How to Read “If you don’t know, imitate others”
Shirazuba hitomane
Meaning of “If you don’t know, imitate others”
“If you don’t know, imitate others” teaches that when you don’t know or understand something, you should humbly learn by copying how others do it. It shows a basic learning attitude: start by imitating skilled people rather than struggling through trial and error on your own.
This proverb is used when beginners keep failing because they insist on their own way. It’s also used to advise people who try to proceed their own way without knowledge. It functions as practical advice: “If you don’t know, start by imitating.”
Today, “originality” and “individuality” tend to be emphasized. But this proverb teaches a truth: imitation comes before creation.
Copying excellent predecessors’ methods is not shameful. Rather, it’s an efficient and wise way to learn.
Pursuing uniqueness without mastering basics just makes the journey longer. First learn the forms, then add your own touches. This proverb shows the first step of such gradual growth and still holds value today.
Origin and Etymology
No clear written records remain about the origin of “If you don’t know, imitate others.” However, looking at the proverb’s structure, it strongly reflects Japan’s traditional learning culture.
“Shirazuba,” an old expression showing a condition, has been used since before the Edo period. It sets up the state of “not knowing” as a premise, then encourages the action that follows.
The word “hitomane” (imitating people) carries a positive meaning. It’s not just copying, but taking excellent people’s actions as models.
Japan has long had the concept of “shu-ha-ri,” which shows learning stages. First, faithfully follow the teacher’s instruction (shu). Next, break from it and add your own touches (ha). Finally, separate from the teacher and reach your own level (ri).
“If you don’t know, imitate others” clearly expresses the spirit of that first stage, “shu.”
In the craftsman’s world, there’s also the saying “steal the technique.” The master doesn’t teach everything step by step. Instead, apprentices learn by observing and imitating the master’s skills.
This practical learning culture is thought to be the background that created this proverb. Japan’s spirit of valuing humble learning is condensed in these short words.
Usage Examples
- If you’re starting to learn programming, “if you don’t know, imitate others”—begin by copying excellent code
- Rather than trying creative cooking without knowing basics, “if you don’t know, imitate others” by following recipes exactly will help you improve faster
Universal Wisdom
The proverb “If you don’t know, imitate others” captures the essence of human learning. We all came into this world knowing nothing. Babies grow as humans by imitating parents’ expressions, words, and movements.
Imitation is the most basic and most powerful learning ability humans possess.
However, as we grow, we develop complex feelings about “imitating.” We feel imitation shows lack of creativity. Our pride won’t allow it. In modern society especially, originality is so emphasized that there’s even a tendency to look down on imitation.
Yet this proverb has been passed down because our ancestors saw a deep truth. Every genius started by imitating someone. Artists copy masterpieces, craftsmen steal masters’ techniques, scholars study predecessors’ theories.
Only on top of such accumulation does an original realm finally open.
You don’t need to be ashamed of not knowing. Rather, because you don’t know, you can learn honestly. That humility is the shortest path to growth.
Human wisdom has gradually reached higher levels as each person stands on predecessors’ shoulders. Imitating means joining that great chain.
When AI Hears This
Human learning actually has four stages. Stage 1 is “unconscious incompetence”—not even realizing you can’t do something. Stage 2 is “conscious incompetence”—being aware you can’t do it.
Stage 3 is “conscious competence”—being able to do it with effort. Stage 4 is “unconscious competence”—doing it naturally without thinking.
“If you don’t know, imitate others” points out the danger of Stage 1. People unaware of their lack of knowledge imitate only the surface without understanding the essence.
For example, a cooking beginner might follow a recipe without understanding why meat should reach room temperature. They might start cooking one minute after taking it from the fridge.
What’s interesting is the spiral structure of learning. True experts return to the “unconscious” realm when they reach Stage 4. Top pianists don’t think about finger movements. Thinking actually causes mistakes.
So beginners and experts both seem to act “without knowing,” but the content is completely opposite.
Cognitive science calls this the “competence paradox.” As ability increases, exercising that ability becomes unconscious. This proverb expresses in just seven characters how the same word “not knowing” can hide two extremes: ignorance and mastery.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people that “at the starting point of learning, humility becomes your greatest weapon.” In today’s information-flooded era, we tend to try reaching our own answers immediately.
But it’s not wise to ignore wisdom accumulated over years in that field and proceed your own way.
When starting something new, first ask yourself: “Who excels in this field?” “What methods have proven results?” Then, without embarrassment, try imitating those methods.
Whether cooking, work, or relationships, successful patterns already exist. By mastering those patterns, you can reach in a short time what took predecessors years to achieve.
Imitation never steals your individuality. Rather, true individuality blooms only with a solid foundation. Before creating innovative works, Picasso thoroughly learned classical painting techniques.
Only on the foundation of basics can the building of originality stand.
Not knowing is not shameful. Not learning when you don’t know is the real problem. With a humble attitude to learn from others, you will surely grow.
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