How to Read “好きこそ物の上手なれ”
Suki koso mono no jouzu nare
Meaning of “好きこそ物の上手なれ”
“Love is the master of things” means that loving something is the most important condition for improving in that field.
This maxim expresses that intrinsic motivation is more powerful than extrinsic motivation in acquiring skills and knowledge. When you have the feeling of love, you naturally spend time, face difficulties, and repeatedly devise creative solutions. Conversely, it suggests that no matter how much time you spend on something you reluctantly engage with, true improvement cannot be expected.
This proverb is used as encouragement for people struggling with learning, lessons, or work, or as advice for those about to start something new. It is also used when instructors want to convey to learners the importance of first cultivating interest and affection for their field. Even today, it is frequently cited as evidence when explaining the importance of motivation in educational settings and human resource development situations, making it a word containing universal truth.
Origin and Etymology
“Love is the master of things” is thought to have been established from the Muromachi period to the Edo period, but its exact first appearance is unclear. However, looking at the structure of this expression, we can see that it follows the format of classical Japanese maxims.
The particle “koso” is an important word in classical Japanese that expresses emphasis, serving to highlight the emotion of “love.” Also, “mono no” in “mono no jouzu nare” differs from the modern “mono no” and is an old expression meaning “in matters” or “in fields.”
It is presumed that the background of this maxim’s creation lies in Japan’s craftsman culture and artistic traditions. In fields requiring long training such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and martial arts, it was empirically understood that acquiring skills required not just effort alone, but love and passion for that path.
Since similar expressions can be found in moral instruction books of the Edo period, it is thought that this saying was widely accepted among common people and became established through oral transmission. Even within the modern education system from the Meiji period onward, it has been valued as words explaining motivation for learning and has been passed down to the present day.
Usage Examples
- My son was reluctant about piano, but when I let him play songs he liked, he suddenly began to improve, and indeed “Love is the master of things”
- Programming study was difficult, but after becoming interested in game creation, it became so enjoyable that I truly feel “Love is the master of things”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the value of this proverb may actually be increasing. In an information society where there are countless fields to learn and efficient learning methods are emphasized, the power of the emotion called “love” is being recognized anew.
Particularly in the AI era, simple memorization of knowledge and repetitive tasks are likely to be replaced by machines, and humans are required to have creativity and originality. These abilities are precisely nurtured by the curiosity and passion born from the emotion of “love.” The spread of YouTube and online learning platforms, which have created environments where people can learn based on their interests, has also heightened the modern significance of this proverb.
On the other hand, there are also challenges specific to modern society. Due to the diversification of SNS and entertainment, time spent concentrating on one thing has decreased, and the emotion of “love” has become more fleeting. Also, for economic reasons, situations where people must prioritize acquiring practical skills over what they love are frequently seen.
However, work style reforms and the promotion of side jobs have increased opportunities to utilize one’s interests and passions. This proverb teaches modern people anew the importance of cherishing one’s “love” in career formation.
When AI Hears This
The mechanism by which the emotion of “liking” accelerates learning can be explained through chemical reactions in the brain. When we engage in activities we enjoy, the brain releases large amounts of dopamine, known as the “motivation hormone.” This dopamine stimulates the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory, and experiments have confirmed that it improves information retention rates by approximately 40%.
What’s even more fascinating is that the emotion of liking creates “selective attention.” For example, children who love games can memorize intricate numerical details of strategies and complex rules with surprising accuracy. This happens because the brain automatically focuses on things we like, prioritizing the processing of related information.
According to psychologist Fredrickson’s “Broaden-and-Build Theory,” positive emotions expand our thinking and enhance creativity. In other words, when we’re doing something we love, we’re more likely to generate ideas that transcend conventional boundaries.
Most importantly, the emotion of liking generates “intrinsic motivation.” Since the activity itself becomes the reward rather than relying on external rewards, our ability to persist improves dramatically. Research shows that people who learn through intrinsic motivation continue their efforts three times longer than those driven by extrinsic motivation.
This scientific fact represents modern neuroscience validating the essential human nature that people in the Edo period had grasped through empirical experience.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of listening to one’s inner voice, precisely because we live in an era that pursues only efficiency and results.
When you engage in something, first ask yourself, “Could I come to love this?” If you start by finding elements you can love, even difficult paths can become enjoyable adventures. Whether in work or hobbies, by finding and carefully nurturing small seeds of interest, unexpected talents might bloom.
Also, for those in positions of guiding children or subordinates, why not start by drawing out their “love”? Rather than forcing things upon them, finding and nurturing each person’s individual interests and concerns leads to true growth.
Modern society offers many choices, but that’s also a chance to find your own “love.” Regardless of age, by continuing to challenge new things and search for what makes your heart leap, life becomes richer and more fulfilling. Cherish your feelings of love and walk your own path.
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