The Idea of the Three Wise Monkeys – a timeless symbol open to interpretation
1. The universal power of the symbol
The Three Wise Monkeys — see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil — is a symbol known to almost everyone. At first glance it seems simple, even playful. And yet it carries remarkable depth.
For centuries it has prompted reflection: Is it worth seeing, hearing, and saying everything? Or is silence, choice, and restraint sometimes the wiser path?
It is one of those symbols that need no words. A gesture, a carving, an image is enough — and meaning emerges. But what meaning? That depends — on culture, era, situation, and above all on ourselves.
For some, the monkeys are humorous. For others — mystical. For still others — strikingly contemporary.
2. Tradition and New Contexts
The Three Wise Monkeys symbol has roots in Japanese culture and Eastern philosophy — it speaks to morality, purity of spirit, and mindfulness. In the Kōshin system, associated with Confucianism and Buddhism, it signified inner discipline — living so as not to admit evil into one’s heart through sight, hearing, and words.
Today, in the 21st century, the symbol has returned with new life. In a world full of information, noise, stimuli, and media manipulation, the Three Monkeys become a question of responsibility:
Do we truly want to notice what is evil when we see it?
When we hear of harm, do we respond, or pretend it doesn’t concern us?
Do we have the courage to tell the truth, or do we prefer silence?
Thus, the symbol can be used as an accusation, but also as a shield. It can be a wall; it can be a mirror. Sometimes it speaks of humility, sometimes of cynicism. That’s why it fits equally well in pop culture, art, and politics. It’s a sign that keeps working.
3. Many interpretations, none definitive
For some, it is wisdom and inner calm.
For others — a symbol of indifference, escape, denial.
It is precisely this diversity that makes the Three Monkeys so fascinating — everyone sees something different in them. There is no single right version.
Some say it’s a symbol of hypocrisy — “you pretend not to see evil.”
Others — that it’s a path to spiritual balance — “focus on what is good.”
There are also those who see in it a metaphor for modern media, fake news, and self-censorship.
At ThreeMonkeys.center, we don’t want to give ready-made answers.
We don’t impose an interpretation.
We want to open space for personal reflection and conversation.
Because symbols live only when they are read anew.
4. THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE CONVERSATION
The page you’re reading is an introduction to a longer journey.
In the coming months, we’ll publish deeper texts, essays, analyses, and curiosities in the BLOG section.
We’re also planning videos, interviews, and interpretations from around the world.
We want the Three Monkeys symbol to be shown not only from the perspective of a single culture, but as a global sign — open to new contexts, questions, and emotions.
We believe many people — from Poland, Europe, and beyond — will find something of their own in these figurines. Sometimes it will be a warm childhood memory. Sometimes a question about one’s own stance. Sometimes an inspiration to create something new.
Do you see it differently? Let us know.
We’re grateful for all voices — including critical ones.
We don’t see everything ourselves — that’s why outside perspectives are invaluable to us.
If you have comments, ideas, or interpretations — write to us.
Thanks to you, we can see more.
Because the Three Monkeys are more than figurines.
It’s a theme that brings people together, stirs the conscience, and inspires action.
Do you have observations or feedback? Write to us — we read everything and value every voice.
You can send your interpretations, topic suggestions, and short descriptions (photos are welcome, too).
📧 Email: welcome [at] threemonkeys.center
📝 Contact form: in the Contact section