How to Read “和を以て貴しとなす”
wa wo motte tōtoshi to nasu
Meaning of “和を以て貴しとなす”
This proverb means that people cooperating with each other is considered the most important value.
The “harmony” referred to here does not simply mean avoiding conflict, but rather refers to people with different opinions and positions forming consensus through constructive discussion and moving forward together. “Precious” means valuable, teaching that maintaining harmony is more valuable than anything else.
This proverb is used in situations where conflicts might arise in group decision-making or human relationships. It is employed when explaining the importance of proceeding with matters while considering overall harmony rather than pushing through individual assertions. Even today, this spirit is utilized in situations that emphasize teamwork or when there is a need to bring together diverse opinions. However, this does not mean having no opinions of your own or blindly following others, but rather is a way of thinking that emphasizes finding the best solutions through constructive dialogue.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb originates from Article 1 of the Seventeen-Article Constitution, which is said to have been established by Prince Shotoku. The original text states “With harmony as precious make, and let there be no wanton opposition,” which has evolved into its current form over time.
The Seventeen-Article Constitution is said to have been established in the 12th year of Empress Suiko’s reign (604 CE) and is one of Japan’s oldest written laws. This first article was presented as a guideline to resolve conflicts within the imperial court and disputes between powerful clans, against the backdrop of political turmoil of that time. Prince Shotoku combined Buddhist and Confucian thought to establish a governing philosophy that emphasized harmony.
What is interesting is that this concept of “harmony” did not simply mean getting along well, but emphasized that people with different opinions and positions should ultimately reach consensus while engaging in repeated discussions. The original text’s “let there be no wanton opposition” contains the meaning of deciding matters through constructive discussion rather than engaging in pointless conflict.
This teaching became the foundation of Japan’s political culture, was passed down through subsequent eras, and has remained established as the basis of Japanese values up to the present day.
Interesting Facts
The character “wa” (harmony) used in Prince Shotoku’s Seventeen-Article Constitution was a revolutionary concept for its time. While Chinese Confucianism emphasized “li” (ritual propriety) and “ren” (benevolence), Prince Shotoku deliberately placed “wa” in the first article, which is thought to represent an attempt to show Japan’s unique values.
This “With harmony as precious make” is actually not a complete sentence, but originally was the first half of the longer sentence “With harmony as precious make, and let there be no wanton opposition.” Because the latter half “let there be no wanton opposition (avoid opposing without reason)” was omitted as it spread, interpretations somewhat different from the original meaning sometimes arise.
Usage Examples
- Although opinions are divided on the project, let’s find the best plan by discussing it together in the spirit of “With harmony as precious make”
- Conflicts between departments continue, but remembering the words “With harmony as precious make,” we decided to establish a place for constructive discussion
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, this ancient proverb is beginning to take on new meaning. As globalization progresses, opportunities to collaborate with people of different cultures and values have increased, making the concept of “harmony” more complex and important.
Particularly with the spread of remote work and online meetings, there is now a need to build harmony across physical distances. In digital communication, it becomes difficult to read subtle emotions face-to-face, so more conscious effort is needed to create “harmony.”
On the other hand, values that emphasize individual diversity and creativity have also strengthened in modern times, and there are voices questioning traditional interpretations of “harmony.” Rather than uniform harmony, a “new harmony” is being sought that utilizes diverse opinions and individuality while still working toward common goals.
On social media and in online communities, different opinions often clash intensely, and emotional conflicts are more prominent than constructive discussion. Precisely because of such situations, the original spirit of “With harmony as precious make” – the attitude of people in different positions engaging in respectful dialogue and forming consensus – is receiving renewed attention. Modern “harmony” can be said to represent a more mature form of harmony that moves forward together while acknowledging differences.
When AI Hears This
The “wa” (harmony) that Prince Shotoku expressed in “harmony is to be valued” was actually the complete opposite of what we think of today.
Looking at the original text of the Seventeen-Article Constitution, we find the expression “everyone should discuss harmoniously together.” This means “everyone should engage in vigorous debate.” In other words, true “wa” was when people with different opinions spoke freely and engaged in thorough discussion without holding back.
However, in modern Japan, these words are used as justification for conformity pressure that says “everyone get along and don’t make waves.” When someone voices opposition in a meeting, they get labeled as “someone who disrupts harmony.” This is the exact opposite of Prince Shotoku’s intention.
What’s fascinating is the background behind how this misunderstanding arose. Through the class system of the Edo period and the controlled society during wartime, “wa” gradually changed in meaning to “obeying those above you.” What originally referred to “constructive discussion among equals” was somehow replaced with “obedient compliance that doesn’t oppose authority.”
The deeply rooted culture of “reading between the lines” and “reading the atmosphere” in modern Japanese companies is not unrelated to this historical shift in meaning. If Prince Shotoku saw a modern conference room, he might be shocked and say “this is not wa.” To restore true “wa,” we actually need an attitude that actively welcomes dissenting opinions.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is that true strength is not pushing through your own opinions, but the power to find the best answers together with people of different values.
In modern society, while we can easily connect with people who share the same opinions through social media, dialogue with people who think differently has decreased. However, truly valuable solutions are born precisely where diverse perspectives intersect. Please try practicing the spirit of “With harmony as precious make” in your workplace, home, and community.
This does not mean blindly following others’ opinions. It is an attitude of trying to understand others’ positions while firmly holding your own thoughts. Engaging in constructive discussion, sometimes compromising, sometimes generating new ideas. Such relationships are the “harmony” needed in modern times.
While each person has different individuality, they walk toward common goals. If you can build such harmony, your surroundings will surely become a richer and more creative place.
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