Tag Archives: influence

Personal growth vis-a-vis other people’s persons

Don’t pick your nose; just pick your friends! 益者三友、損者三友(Ekisha san’yuu, sonsha san’yuu;“Three beneficial friends, three harmful friends”) Definition: There are three kinds of friends who are good for you and three kinds who are bad for you. The beneficial kinds … Continue reading

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Feet of clay, tongue of wood

Mouth of gold; break the mold 金口木舌 kin.kou.boku.zetsu Literally: gold / metal – mouth – tree / wood – tongue Alternately: Someone who leads the people through skillful (spoken) expression. A guide or leader of public opinion. The image is … Continue reading

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Making light of parental influence

親の光は七光 (Oya no hikari wa nanahikari; “A parent’s light is seven lights”) Definition: Children benefit from their parents’ fame, fortune, and status. This is less about hereditary succession to a position, or straight-up nepotism, than it is about the fact … Continue reading

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Hey, simulation!

麻の中の蓬 (Asa no naka no yomogi; “Mugwort amongst hemp”) Definition: If you spend time with good people you’ll be influenced and inspired by them, and become a better person yourself. This is the positive-oriented counterpart to last week’s 朱に交われば赤くなる. The … Continue reading

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