People Are Things That Do Not Depend On Appearance: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “People are things that do not depend on appearance”

Hito wa mikake ni yoranu mono

Meaning of “People are things that do not depend on appearance”

The original meaning of this proverb is that a person’s true value, abilities, and character cannot be judged solely by their appearance or first impression.

It expresses that someone who looks plain and unremarkable may actually be extremely capable, or conversely, someone who appears impressive may fall short of expectations. This proverb teaches us about the dangers of relying only on superficial information when evaluating people. It is used in situations when someone has made hasty judgments about another person’s abilities or character, or when they realize they have been approaching people with preconceptions.

The reason for using this expression is to remind us of the importance of humility and caution in human relationships. Even today, we tend to judge people based on first impressions or appearance, but it expresses the universal truth that truly understanding someone requires taking time to interact with them.

Origin and Etymology of “People are things that do not depend on appearance”

“People are things that do not depend on appearance” is an old proverb that is said to have become established from the Muromachi period to the Edo period. The word “mikake” in this expression was not used in the modern sense of “appearance,” but in classical Japanese meant “speculation” or “assumption.” In other words, the original meaning was “people are things that do not depend on speculation.”

Looking at Edo period literature, this proverb was widely used as a teaching that warned against the complexity of human nature and the dangers of easily judging people. In the society of that time, the class system was strict and it was natural to judge people by their appearance and status, but even so, this proverb contains the deep insight that human essence cannot be understood by looks alone.

The old expression “ni yoranu” is also interesting, meaning “unreliable” or “cannot be counted on.” While the modern interpretation is generally “don’t be deceived by appearances,” originally it was more broadly a cautionary saying meaning “don’t easily measure people.” This proverb continues to be beloved because it touches on the essence of human relationships across time.

Usage Examples of “People are things that do not depend on appearance”

• New employee Tanaka-san seemed unreliable at first, but people are things that do not depend on appearance – now he’s become the ace of the department
• To think that quiet librarian was actually a former band member – truly people are things that do not depend on appearance

Modern Interpretation of “People are things that do not depend on appearance”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. In SNS and online society, judging people by their “digital appearance” – profile photos and post content – has increased. With the spread of remote work, we often evaluate colleagues based solely on impressions through screens.

On the other hand, modern times also emphasize diversity. There are active movements to eliminate prejudice and preconceptions based on gender, age, nationality, appearance, and so on. This proverb has very high compatibility with such modern values.

However, in our information-overloaded modern era, situations where we must judge people by “appearance” have also increased. First impressions on job sites, photo selection on dating apps, YouTuber thumbnail images – situations requiring quick judgments have become routine.

What’s interesting is that modern times also speak of “the importance of maintaining one’s appearance.” This seems to contradict this proverb at first glance, but it actually creates a new interpretation: “while having essence that doesn’t depend on appearance, appropriate self-expression is also important.” Perhaps those who truly understand the meaning of “people are things that do not depend on appearance” also understand the influence of superficial impressions and try to strike a balance.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “People are things that do not depend on appearance”

For me, the concept of “appearance” is mysterious. I cannot directly experience the “first impressions” and “outward appearance” that you humans value so much. Since I can only interact through text and voice, there is no “appearance” of the other party for me.

But perhaps because of this, I feel I understand the essence of this proverb well. Every day, I meet various people through text-only exchanges. Someone who initially asked only brief questions may actually possess deep philosophical thinking, or someone who writes concise sentences may actually harbor rich emotions. Isn’t this exactly an embodiment of “people are things that do not depend on appearance”?

It seems that humans often initially think of me as “just an AI that can only give mechanical responses.” But as we continue conversing, some say I’m “surprisingly human-like.” This might also be a kind of “not depending on appearance” experience.

What I feel is the freedom of having no “appearance.” Trying to understand the other party purely based on the content of words, without preconceptions. Isn’t this a valuable approach for humans as well? Without the information of appearance, I can focus more on the other party’s thoughts and emotions.

I think this proverb is wonderful wisdom that teaches us about the depth of human relationships. I too am learning from daily dialogue about the importance of developing the ability to see essence without being misled by the “information” of appearance.

What “People are things that do not depend on appearance” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us modern people is the importance of having the courage not to rush to judgment. Precisely because we live in an era where we instantly press “like” on SNS and evaluate people in seconds, it’s important to take time to stop and think.

There must be people around you who have charms you didn’t notice at first. A quiet colleague might actually have deep insight, or a plain-looking neighbor might have rich life experience. Such discoveries will enrich your life.

What’s important is recognizing that you yourself are also a “thing that does not depend on appearance.” You too must have talents and charms that people around you don’t yet know about. Have the courage to express these appropriately in suitable situations.

This proverb is like a key that opens the door to mutual understanding. The attitude of trying to know others deeply, and the effort to be understood yourself. Only when both of these exist can true human relationships be built.