See No, Hear No, Speak No Evil

"See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil."

Japanese pictorial maxim (the Three Wise Monkeys)



The message behind this famous saying, and enduring image, has been debated, so I'll just say what it means to me...

1. Mind your own business.
What your neighbor does (within the law) is none of your concern. Accept that behavior is not evil simply because it is different.

2. Don't listen to gossip.
Don't even listen when people speak badly of others.

3. Never gossip or speak unkindly of others.
This does NOT condone being an unconcerned citizen.
This does NOT mean to look the other way if your co-worker is pilfering the cash drawer or you witness a crime on the street.