How to Read “Flattery is pleasing, agreement is good”
Shitaji wa suki nari gyoi wa yoshi
Meaning of “Flattery is pleasing, agreement is good”
“Flattery is pleasing, agreement is good” means that when the foundation is solid, the final result will also be good. It teaches the importance of carefully building the invisible base.
This proverb reminds us that when we try to accomplish something, we tend to focus only on the surface finish. But what really matters is the invisible foundation.
Whether in studying, working, or relationships, behind every brilliant achievement lies steady preparation and groundwork.
Even when we want quick results, we should first take time to build a solid foundation. This attitude ultimately leads to the most reliable and excellent outcomes.
This is wisdom based on the experience of our ancestors.
Origin and Etymology
Unfortunately, no definitive record has been found for the clear origin of this proverb. However, we can make interesting observations from the structure of the words.
“Shitaji” originally referred to the foundational treatment applied before adding colors or patterns to dyed fabrics or lacquerware. Beautiful kimono come alive with their colors only through careful preparation of the base.
In architecture, the undercoat applied before finishing walls was also called shitaji.
“Suki nari” in classical Japanese means “in a good state.” Unlike the modern word “suki” (to like), it carried nuances of “excellent” or “flawless.”
“Gyoi wa yoshi” contains “gyoi,” which originally referred to the intentions or judgments of nobles. Here, it likely means “result” or “evaluation.”
“Yoshi” expresses a positive assessment meaning “good.”
There is a theory that this proverb originated from wisdom cultivated in the world of craftsmen. The work in invisible parts determines the final quality.
The pride and philosophy of craftsmen may be condensed in these simple words.
Usage Examples
- Her cooking is delicious because she’s careful even in making the broth. It’s truly “Flattery is pleasing, agreement is good.”
- When I see athletes who continued basic training without skipping perform well in games, I really feel the truth of “Flattery is pleasing, agreement is good.”
Universal Wisdom
The universal truth that “Flattery is pleasing, agreement is good” speaks to is the eternal conflict between “the heart seeking shortcuts” and “the wisdom to see essence.”
We instinctively want to obtain results as quickly and easily as possible. We admire the visible, glamorous parts and underestimate the steady process leading there.
This is unchanging human nature across time and place.
Yet throughout long history, humanity has realized something. Truly valuable things are born from accumulation of invisible parts.
This proverb continues to be passed down because it’s not just a lesson. It’s the painful realization of people who experienced failure repeatedly.
Our ancestors witnessed countless times how work with only surface polish crumbles, how plans neglecting foundations collapse.
And they understood. True success depends on how sincerely you can build foundations in places no one sees, during times no one evaluates.
This wisdom resonates deeply in our hearts even today, or rather especially today, when efficiency and speed are overemphasized.
When AI Hears This
In information theory, whether a message transmits accurately depends on “channel quality.” A channel is the pathway for information, and noise causes information to distort.
However, what this proverb shows is a phenomenon where goodwill dramatically improves channel quality. Even imperfect information transmits accurately.
Considering this through signaling theory reveals an interesting mechanism. Normally, receivers integrate multiple information sources beyond words, like facial expressions and tone, to infer sender intent.
But when goodwill exists, receivers automatically apply a “benevolent interpretation model” to the sender. Even when information is missing, receivers actively perform completion work.
This works similarly to error correction codes.
What’s more noteworthy is the high accuracy of this completion work. With someone you have goodwill toward, the “prediction model” built from past interactions has high precision.
You can restore the original message with little information. Just like how you understand a close friend’s intent from a short message.
Conversely, without goodwill, you must greatly increase information redundancy to communicate. For the same content, the required information amount changes several times depending on the relationship.
The ancients perceived this asymmetry of communication.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of “the courage not to rush.” Every time we see someone’s glamorous success on social media, we feel pressured to produce quick results.
In such times, the value of these words shines.
In what you’re working on now, are there basic parts you’re tempted to skip? In studying English, basic grammar. In sports, plain fundamental practice.
In work, careful preparation and checking. These certainly take time and don’t show immediate results. But that time is never wasted.
Rather, that invisible time becomes the strong foundation supporting your future. People with solid foundations don’t waver when facing difficulties.
They can apply knowledge flexibly and continue growing long-term. More haste, less speed. Today’s steady step will surely support tomorrow’s you.
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