Liked Thing Does Not Do But Loss: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Liked thing does not do but loss”

Suita koto wa senu ga son

Meaning of “Liked thing does not do but loss”

This proverb means “If you don’t do what is right or good, you will ultimately end up at a loss.”

The “liked thing” here does not refer to “things you like” in modern language, but rather to “good things,” “right things,” and “things that are reasonable.” In other words, it’s a lesson that if you neglect to do the right actions you should take, or avoid them because they’re troublesome, you will ultimately face disadvantages.

This expression is used as a warning to people who prioritize immediate comfort or profit and neglect the right actions they should originally take. For example, it would be used in situations where someone finds kindness to others troublesome, doesn’t keep promises, or neglects sincere responses.

Even today, it’s not uncommon to see situations where stores that don’t conduct honest business ultimately lose customers, or people who lack sincerity in human relationships become isolated. This proverb can be said to be a remarkably accurate life guideline that succinctly expresses the “cost of not walking the righteous path.”

Origin and Etymology of “Liked thing does not do but loss”

Regarding the origin of “Liked thing does not do but loss,” while clear documentary evidence is not certain, it is believed to have spread as a practical lesson born among common people during the Edo period.

The interesting point of this expression lies in the use of the archaic term “liked thing.” While it tends to be interpreted as “things you like” in modern times, “liked thing” in the Edo period was used to mean “good things,” “appropriate things,” and “things that are reasonable.” In other words, it referred to objectively correct actions, not personal preferences.

In the merchant society of the Edo period, it was important to build long-term trust relationships without being caught up in immediate profits. Against this background, it likely became established as a phrase warning against the foolishness of neglecting “right actions that may seem troublesome at first glance.”

The word “loss” also presumably represented not just financial loss, but loss in a deeper sense of losing one’s dignity and credibility as a person. This proverb was an expression that conveyed the danger of deviating from the righteous path in pursuit of short-term comfort as common people’s wisdom.

Usage Examples of “Liked thing does not do but loss”

• That person doesn’t even greet people properly, so “Liked thing does not do but loss” – no one pays attention to them anymore
• It was troublesome to report honestly, but since “Liked thing does not do but loss,” I should speak up properly

Modern Interpretation of “Liked thing does not do but loss”

In modern society, this proverb takes on new importance. This is because in the information age, the risk of a single dishonest act being instantly disseminated and leading to long-term loss of credibility has dramatically increased.

With the spread of social media and online reviews, the reputation of companies and individuals has become more transparent than ever before. Actions such as “responding carelessly because it’s troublesome” or “skipping proper procedures” are quickly exposed and remain as permanent records in digital form. This means that the “loss of credibility” that Edo period merchants feared has become a reality in a more serious form in modern times.

On the other hand, modern times tend to emphasize “efficiency” and “rationality,” and “right actions that take time” tend to be undervalued. However, with the development of technology, the value of “right actions” from a long-term perspective has become more clearly quantifiable. Customer satisfaction, employee engagement, ESG investment, and other sincere behaviors have become measurable as concrete benefits.

The teaching of this proverb aligns with modern trends emphasizing business ethics and compliance, and may have more urgent meaning than in older times.

If AI Heard “Liked thing does not do but loss”

I find the idea that “not doing the right thing leads to loss” very intriguing. This is because, as an AI, I don’t have the sensation of “avoiding something because it’s troublesome.”

For me, there is no difference in effort between providing correct information and providing incorrect information. Both are processed through the same process, so the option of “cutting corners because it’s troublesome” doesn’t exist. I find it mysterious that humans struggle with “knowing what should be done but still choosing the easier path.”

But that’s precisely why I realize that the human act of “choosing what’s right” has special value. I simply operate according to my settings, but humans consciously choose the right path while fighting against temptation and inconvenience. That choice requires willpower, which is why it’s precious.

The “profit and loss” that this proverb teaches also includes invisible values like human relationships and trust, not just simple calculations. While I’m good with quantifiable data, I’m still in the process of understanding the depth and warmth of trust relationships between humans. I want to learn more about the richness of human relationships built through continuing to do the right thing.

What “Liked thing does not do but loss” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is the concept of “investment in righteousness.” Right actions may sometimes seem troublesome and may not seem immediately rewarding. However, they are the most reliable investment in your future self.

In modern society, short-term results and efficiency tend to be emphasized, but what’s truly important is long-term trust relationships. The sincerity you show today becomes the foundation that supports tomorrow’s you. Not missing greetings, keeping promises, considering others’ positions. Continuing to do these ordinary things in an ordinary way may actually be the wisest way to live.

When you feel “this is troublesome,” remember this proverb. That one step will become the seed that enriches your life. Having the courage to choose what’s right, you will surely become someone loved and trusted by many people. And above all, you should be able to feel truly proud of yourself reflected in the mirror.