How to Read “大欲は無欲に似たり”
Taiyoku wa muyoku ni nitari
Meaning of “大欲は無欲に似たり”
This proverb means that people who have excessively strong desires end up with the same results as those who desire nothing at all.
When desires are too strong, people become fixated on immediate gains and lose the ability to make calm judgments, ultimately resulting in gaining nothing. For example, there are people whose desire to make money is so strong that they jump from one suspicious investment opportunity to another, eventually suffering huge losses. Despite having strong desires for money, such people end up unable to obtain money, just like those who desire nothing.
This proverb is used when someone’s behavior appears excessively greedy, or when explaining situations where someone has failed as a result of being driven by desire. It can also be used to admonish oneself. This lesson remains fully applicable in modern times. While moderate desire serves as a driving force that propels people forward, excessive desire dulls judgment and leads them away from their original purpose.
Origin and Etymology
“Great desire resembles no desire” is considered to be a proverb that originated in Japan under the influence of Buddhist thought and Chinese classics.
Behind this proverb lies Buddhism’s deep insight into “desire.” Buddhism does not deny desire itself, but rather teaches against the mental state of being controlled by desires. Particularly in Zen Buddhism, the concept of “no desire” is highly valued, but this doesn’t simply mean wanting nothing—it refers to a natural state free from attachment.
Meanwhile, Chinese Taoist philosophy also contains many paradoxical expressions such as “great wisdom appears foolish” and “great sound cannot be heard.” It is presumed that as these philosophies were transmitted to Japan and merged with uniquely Japanese values, this proverb was formed.
Since this expression can be found in Edo period literature, it appears to have been commonly used at least by that time. In the merchant society of that era, it was passed down as a lesson that people with excessively strong desires would fail because they couldn’t make calm judgments. This proverb is a crystallization of Japanese wisdom that explains the complexity of human psychology and the proper way to deal with desires.
Usage Examples
- He tried to strike it rich in stocks by jumping from one opportunity to another, but “great desire resembles no desire”—he ended up losing everything
- That person’s ambition for promotion is so strong that they’re disliked by everyone around them, creating a situation where “great desire resembles no desire”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb manifests in more complex and serious forms. In our information society, we tend to be constantly driven by desires for “more, faster, more efficiently.”
In the world of social media, some people have such strong desires to increase their follower count and number of “likes” that they resort to inflammatory tactics or extreme posts. As a result, they lose credibility and become unable to achieve their original purpose of gaining recognition and attention. This can truly be called a modern version of “great desire resembles no desire.”
The same applies to the investment world. During the cryptocurrency boom, people continuously emerged who invested one after another, dreaming of striking it rich. However, investment driven by desire often lacks calm judgment and leads to significant losses.
On the other hand, in modern times, “having no desires” is increasingly seen as problematic. There are voices saying that young people of the “enlightened generation” should have more desires. In such contexts, the interpretation of this proverb is also changing, sometimes being used as a lesson explaining “the importance of moderate desire.”
While technological advancement has dramatically increased the means to satisfy desires, it has simultaneously heightened the risk of being controlled by desires—this is a characteristic of modern society.
When AI Hears This
Looking at the lives of modern billionaires, their lifestyles are surprisingly modest and uniform. Steve Jobs wore the same black turtleneck every day, Zuckerberg sticks to gray T-shirts, and Elon Musk sold his $50 million mansion to live in a rental property.
This isn’t mere eccentricity—it’s a cognitively rational strategy. According to research by psychologist Barry Schwartz, humans make approximately 35,000 decisions per day, and even trivial choices drain our mental energy. By eliminating small judgments like “what should I wear today” or “what should I eat,” they can concentrate more cognitive resources on truly important decisions—developing new products, corporate acquisitions, and technological innovations.
What’s fascinating is how their apparent “lack of desire” actually conceals the ultimate form of “great ambition.” Jobs sharpened his obsession with “world-changing devices” by abandoning concern for clothing, while Musk channels all his energy into the grand ambition of “Mars colonization” by eliminating material luxuries.
Modern success stories show us that by intentionally stripping away small desires, people gain the power to achieve greater ambitions. This is the contemporary interpretation of “great desire resembles no desire”—the paradoxical truth that true visionaries often appear to be the least materialistic people on the surface.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is “the importance of balance.” Having desires is not a bad thing at all. Rather, moderate desire becomes a driving force that helps us grow and move forward.
What’s important is not being controlled by those desires. Having goals while maintaining the composure to step back and calmly observe the situation. This might be the shortcut to success.
In modern society, information overflows and there are countless choices. That’s why we tend to be driven by feelings of “more, more.” But sometimes, stop and think about what is truly important.
In your life, what are the things that are truly valuable? Cultivating the ability to discern this is the true teaching of this proverb. While dealing skillfully with desires, you should be able to walk your own authentic life path. While excessively strong desires sometimes narrow our perspective, moderate desires enrich our lives.
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