Uchikura & Co., LLC

Not Every Good Quote Is Japanese Wisdom

I recently came across an image labeled "Japanese Wisdom" that said:

 

If it's not yours, don't take it.
If it's not right, don't do it.
If it's not true, don't say it.
If you don't know, be quiet.

These are wonderful principles. They encourage honesty, integrity, and humility.

 

However, I have to point out that these are not traditional Japanese sayings or proverbs. As someone who grew up in Japan, I have never heard these as part of Japanese wisdom, and they are not found among Japan's well-known proverbs or classical teachings.

 

That doesn't make the message any less valuable. Good advice is good advice, regardless of where it comes from.

 

Let's appreciate these words for what they are—sound moral guidance—but let's not mistakenly attribute them to Japanese culture without evidence. Japan has a rich tradition of genuine proverbs and wisdom that stand well on their own.