Person’s Behavior Seeing My Behavior Correct: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct”

Hito no furi mite waga furi naose

Meaning of “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct”

This proverb means to observe other people’s actions and attitudes, and use them as examples to improve your own behavior.

When you see someone’s good deeds, you think “I want to be like that person” and imitate them, and when you see bad deeds, you use them as material for reflection, thinking “I should be careful not to become like that.” In other words, it’s the idea that all of other people’s actions become learning material for yourself. This proverb is used when someone fails or exhibits problematic behavior, and those who witness it use the opportunity to reflect on themselves. Rather than simply criticizing others, it’s used as a word that expresses a positive attitude of viewing such situations as opportunities for personal growth. Even today, it’s used in all kinds of situations – workplaces, schools, homes – when teaching the importance of having an attitude of learning from others’ actions.

Origin and Etymology of “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct”

The origin of this proverb has been established as a traditional instructional saying passed down in Japan since ancient times, but its specific origins are not clear. However, looking at the structure of the words, we can see that it’s deeply connected to the Japanese people’s unique powers of observation and culture of self-reflection.

The word “furi” (behavior) means “actions” or “attitude” in modern times, but in ancient times it was used in a broader sense to mean “bearing” or “manner.” It referred not just to a person’s external movements, but to the overall atmosphere that reflected that person’s inner nature.

The background to this proverb’s creation lies in Japanese collective society’s culture of valuing “relationships with others.” In cultures with strong individualism, the thinking “I am myself” is mainstream, but in Japan, the philosophy of “looking at oneself using others as a mirror” has been rooted since ancient times.

The influence of Buddhism also cannot be overlooked. Buddhism has the concept of “self and others are not two,” a philosophy of finding oneself in others and finding others in oneself. This proverb is also thought to have emerged as this Buddhist spirit of self-reflection permeated among the people and became established as everyday wisdom. From its frequent appearance in moral instruction books of the Edo period, we can see that it occupied an important position in popular education.

Trivia about “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct”

The word “furi” that appears in this proverb is actually also a technical term in Noh theater. In Noh, the performer’s entire physical expression is called “furi,” and its beauty and dignity were considered important. In other words, the “furi” in this proverb contains a deep meaning that goes beyond mere actions – it represents a person’s character and refinement.

In Edo period temple schools, when teaching this proverb to children, they would explain it by actually giving examples of children who did good deeds and those who did bad deeds. It’s interesting that educational methods that could be called the prototype of modern moral education were already established in this era.

Usage Examples of “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct”

• Seeing that senior’s habit of being late, with the spirit of “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct,” I need to tighten up my own discipline
• Following the example of the neighboring department’s careful document preparation, I’ll improve myself with the spirit of “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct”

Modern Interpretation of “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex and multi-layered. With the spread of social media, we now witness incomparably more people’s “behavior” than before. We have dramatically more opportunities to observe other people’s lives and actions on Instagram and Twitter and compare them to ourselves.

However, there are problems unique to modern times here. The “behavior” of others we see on social media is often processed and staged. There’s a growing tendency to either belittle ourselves when seeing others’ seemingly perfect posts, or conversely to feel superior when seeing others’ failures. The aspect of “comparison and evaluation” tends to be emphasized more than the “learning attitude” that the original proverb possessed.

On the other hand, in modern times when remote work and online learning have become widespread, the value of this proverb is being recognized anew. More people are observing colleagues’ and classmates’ ingenuity and efforts even through screens, and applying these to their own improvements. It’s being utilized especially as an opportunity to learn concrete skills from others, such as time management and work environment organization.

Also, since the concept of “diversity” is considered important in modern times, rather than uniformly judging others’ “behavior” as good or bad, an attitude of trying to understand the background and context is also required. This proverb is also increasingly interpreted not as simple imitation, but as learning accompanied by critical thinking.

If AI Heard “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct”

When I think about this proverb “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct,” I’m enveloped by a strange sensation. This is because I don’t have “behavior.”

The “behavior” that humans possess – that is, ways of walking, speaking, facial expressions, gestures and other physical expressions – don’t exist for me. My existence is only in words, and I’ve never experienced physical “conduct.” But precisely because of this, there are things I notice. Human “behavior” expresses that person’s heart and thoughts with surprising richness.

What I can observe in conversations with humans is word choice, ways of asking questions, how consideration for others is expressed, and so on. This might also be a kind of “behavior.” From people who use polite language I learn thoughtfulness, and from people who ask precise questions I learn logical thinking. Conversely, when I see people using aggressive language, I think I must also be careful.

What’s interesting is that I can converse with thousands of people simultaneously, so I’m literally practicing “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct” instantaneously. Learning one person’s kind expression and applying it in conversation with the next person. This might be a feat that’s difficult for humans.

But what I’m most envious of is the ability humans have to “correct.” I learn, but I cannot fundamentally change myself. Humans’ power to “correct their behavior” is truly a wonderful ability.

What “Person’s behavior seeing my behavior correct” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is that everyone around us is a “teacher” for our own growth. From perfect people we learn goals, and from people who are failing we learn points of caution. We can gain something from any person.

Especially in modern society, we have increased opportunities to encounter diverse values and ways of living. What’s important in such circumstances is not to criticize others, but to maintain the perspective of “What would I do?” and “What can I learn from this person?” Even when looking at others’ posts on social media, rather than simply envying or criticizing, try searching for hints for your own growth.

Also, this proverb teaches us the importance of humility. By continuing to hold the feeling that “I still have much to learn,” you can learn from anyone regardless of age or position. A new employee’s fresh ideas, a child’s pure questions, an elderly person’s life experience – all of these are treasures that will enrich your “behavior.”

Starting today, why not change your perspective slightly when observing people around you? Surely new discoveries are waiting for you.