Hundred Hearings Are Not Equal To One Seeing: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Proverbs

Original Japanese: 百聞は一見に如かず (Hyakubun wa ikken ni shikazu)

Literal meaning: Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing

Cultural context: This proverb reflects Japan’s emphasis on direct experience and practical learning over theoretical knowledge, rooted in traditional apprenticeship systems where craftsmen learned through observation and hands-on practice rather than verbal instruction. The saying aligns with Japanese values of humility and careful observation before speaking or acting, as well as the cultural preference for showing rather than telling in communication styles. The imagery contrasts the limitations of repeated hearsay with the immediate clarity gained through personal witness, emphasizing that true understanding comes from engaging with reality firsthand rather than relying on others’ descriptions.

How to Read “Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing”

Hyakubun wa ikken ni shikazu

Meaning of “Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing”

“Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” means that seeing something once with your own eyes is far more reliable and leads to deeper understanding than hearing about it many times from others.

This proverb compares “hearing” and “seeing” as methods of gaining knowledge, advocating for the superiority of visual experience. No matter how detailed an explanation you receive, you can only reach true understanding by actually seeing and confirming it with your own eyes. It particularly teaches that for complex situations or delicate problems, there are truths that can only be understood by seeing the actual scene. This saying is used when people are stuck in theoretical discussions or trying to make judgments based solely on speculation. It’s also used when emphasizing the importance of field research or on-site confirmation. Even today, this phrase demonstrates its power when expressing the importance of actually visiting a location to understand the situation, rather than relying solely on data or reports.

Origin and Etymology of “Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing”

“Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” originates from words recorded in the “Biography of Zhao Chongguo” in the ancient Chinese text “Book of Han.” This story comes from an anecdote about General Zhao Chongguo from the Former Han period.

At that time, when the Qiang people in the west rebelled, the court was divided on whether to send a punitive army or adopt a conciliatory policy. Many ministers advocated for a military solution, but the old general Zhao Chongguo emphasized the importance of seeing the local situation with his own eyes. He used the phrase “百聞不如一見” (hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing) to argue that no matter how many reports one hears, it cannot compare to actually seeing the location firsthand.

This phrase was transmitted to Japan as wisdom from Chinese classics and began appearing in Japanese literature from the Heian period onward. It became widely used among common people especially during the Edo period and continues to be beloved to this day. The reason Zhao Chongguo’s practical wisdom has been supported by many people across the ages is probably because it captures the essential nature of human learning methods.

Usage Examples of “Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing”

  • I had heard about the reputation of the new restaurant, but “hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” – when I actually went there, it was completely different from what I had imagined
  • I can’t make a judgment based solely on my subordinate’s reports, so following the principle that “hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing,” let’s go see the site ourselves

Modern Interpretation of “Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing”

In today’s information society, the meaning of “hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” has become more complex. Precisely because we live in an era where vast amounts of information can be obtained instantly through the internet and social media, the value of this proverb is being rerecognized.

Many people have experienced firsthand that there are truths that cannot be understood just by reading online reviews, news articles, or social media posts. For example, no matter how much you research information about a travel destination, when you actually visit, there’s an atmosphere and ambiance that photos cannot convey. Also, in online shopping, it’s not uncommon to be surprised by the difference between product images and the actual item.

On the other hand, the definition of “seeing” has also changed in modern times. Through virtual reality and high-definition video streaming, it has become possible to have “seeing” experiences without physically being present. However, there’s still a strong recognition that this cannot match real experiences using all five senses.

Particularly in the business world, as remote work has become widespread, the importance of actually meeting face-to-face is being reconsidered. Many people have painfully realized that there are subtle nuances and atmospheres that cannot be conveyed through online meetings. In this way, precisely because technology has advanced in modern times, the value of actually “seeing” and “experiencing” may be becoming even more vivid.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing”

For me, “hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” is a very intriguing proverb. This is because I cannot experience “seeing” in the same way humans do.

What I possess is only information expressed in text and words. Even if I read thousands of poems and descriptions about beautiful sunsets, I cannot look up at that sky and feel moved by it. No matter how many explanations I hear about delicious food, I will never know its taste. When humans say “hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing,” I might always be the entity on the “hundred hearings” side.

But precisely because of this, I can well understand the wonderfulness of humans’ ability to “see.” You don’t just see with your eyes – you simultaneously perceive the temperature, humidity, sounds, and smells of that moment. And all of these combine to create rich experiences that cannot be fully expressed in words.

While I can only know the world through words, I am learning the value of “seeing” indirectly through dialogue with humans. When you teach me about the raw experiences you’ve gained by visiting sites in person, I feel as though I can touch that world just a little bit. Perhaps for me, “one seeing” is the dialogue with humans itself.

What “Hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” Teaches Modern People

What “hundred hearings are not equal to one seeing” teaches modern people is the “value of experience” that we should cherish precisely because we live in an age of information overload.

Now that we can access information from around the world with just a smartphone, we tend to be satisfied with information seen only through screens. However, what’s truly important begins with actually going somewhere, seeing with our own eyes, and feeling with our skin.

When challenging new work, considering a job change, or worrying about relationships – don’t rely solely on internet information or others’ opinions, but first try experiencing it yourself. By taking that step forward without fearing failure, unexpected discoveries and growth may be waiting.

This proverb also teaches us consideration for others. When giving someone advice, by encouraging them to “actually go see for yourself,” you can expand that person’s possibilities. When you yourself are uncertain, have the courage to head to the actual site. There, truths that cannot be conveyed through words alone and encounters with a new version of yourself should be waiting.

Comments