How to Read “Do not seek all virtues in one person”
Sonawarankoto wo hitori ni motomuru nakare
Meaning of “Do not seek all virtues in one person”
This proverb teaches that you should not expect perfection from any single person. No matter how talented someone is, they cannot possess every ability or quality.
A person might have great knowledge but lack the drive to act. Another might be excellent at taking action but struggle with planning ahead.
This proverb is used to warn against placing excessive expectations on someone, which leads to disappointment or blame. It offers important perspective when a boss evaluates employees, when parents set expectations for children, or when you demand too much from yourself.
In modern society, social media shows us only people’s best sides. This makes us seek perfect human beings. But everyone has different strengths and weaknesses.
The key is to recognize others’ good points and help each other with the rest. This flexible attitude is the foundation of good relationships.
Origin and Etymology
The exact source of this proverb has several theories. It has been passed down as a classical teaching for a long time, but no definite record points to a specific text as its origin.
Looking at the structure of the words, “sonawarankoto” means “things not possessed” or “qualities one does not have.” The classical term “nakare” expresses prohibition, meaning “must not do” as a strong warning.
The background of this expression likely reflects Confucian views of human nature. Ancient Chinese philosophy recognized realistically that people have different strengths and weaknesses, and that perfect humans do not exist.
Japan accepted this way of thinking. It became established wisdom for selecting talent and managing organizations.
One theory suggests that samurai society in the Edo period valued such teachings when evaluating retainers. If a lord demanded perfection from his vassals, the entire organization would fail to function.
Using each person’s strengths and compensating for their weaknesses was the secret to building a strong organization.
This proverb has been passed down through the ages as wisdom for balancing ideals with reality.
Usage Examples
- He’s great at sales but struggles with paperwork. But remember, do not seek all virtues in one person, so we can support each other as a team
- Nobody’s perfect, so let’s remember do not seek all virtues in one person and be more accepting
Universal Wisdom
Humans have a tendency to seek “perfect people.” We want partners who are kind, strong, and financially stable. We expect bosses to show leadership, compassion, and fairness.
We even convince ourselves that we must be able to do everything.
This proverb has been passed down for hundreds of years because our ancestors deeply understood the truth that “perfect humans do not exist.” Humans are fundamentally imperfect beings.
This is not a flaw but the very essence of being human.
What’s interesting is that this imperfection actually connects people to each other. If everyone were perfect, we would not need others. There would be no reason to help each other or cooperate.
What you struggle with, someone else excels at. What someone cannot do, you can. This complementary relationship is what makes society, organizations, and families work.
This proverb does not view human imperfection negatively. Instead, it teaches how we should live with it as a given. The desire for perfection is valuable as motivation for improvement.
But it should not lead to intolerance of others or self-denial. Accepting human limitations is not giving up. It is practical wisdom.
When AI Hears This
The investment world has an iron rule: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” This is a theory that Markowitz proved mathematically in 1952.
For example, if you bet your entire fortune on investment opportunity A with a 70% success rate, you have a 30% chance of bankruptcy. But if you split between opportunity A with 70% success and opportunity B with 70% success, the probability of both failing drops to just 9%.
Personnel allocation has the same structure. An organization that relies on one employee with 100-point sales ability stops functioning the moment that person gets sick or quits.
On the other hand, if you have three people with 70-point sales ability, 70-point planning ability, and 70-point technical ability, the organization keeps running even if one person is missing.
What’s important is that the combined ability of three people exceeds simple addition. Sales brings in clients, planning refines them, and technical staff delivers results. The value created by this interaction often surpasses what one superstar can achieve alone.
Portfolio theory teaches the paradox: “Don’t aim for the best, aim for the optimal.” Use the time and cost of searching for one perfect person to build an organization of multiple people who complement each other.
This shift in thinking is the core of organizational design for surviving unpredictable times.
Lessons for Today
Modern society demands that you be perfect. At work, you must achieve high results. At home, you must be a good parent or spouse. In society, you must be a model citizen.
Look at social media and you see people who seem to handle everything perfectly.
But this proverb gently teaches us that perfect people do not exist. And that’s okay.
What matters is knowing your strengths and using them. At the same time, acknowledge your weaknesses and don’t be ashamed of them. For things you’re not good at, rely on people who are.
You can also help others with things they struggle with.
At work and at home, stop demanding perfection from others. Focus on what they’re good at. Don’t blame them for what they cannot do. Help each other instead.
This makes relationships much easier and strengthens the whole team.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Even if you cannot do everything perfectly, you have real value. Polish your unique strengths and use them to help someone.
That is the most important message this proverb offers you today.
Comments