kindness to others benefits oneself; compassion is not for others' sake
Proverb meaning that acts of kindness ultimately come back to benefit the doer. Often misunderstood as 'being kind to others is not for their own good'.
you can't save others from themselves
Incorrect but common misinterpretation of the proverb, treating ならず as a negative imperative. Not the original meaning.
As the saying goes, 'Kindness is not for others' sake,' being kind to others eventually benefits yourself.
Some people misunderstand the proverb as 'Don't show kindness to others.'
A Japanese proverb of uncertain origin, often traced to Chinese or Buddhist teachings emphasizing the reciprocal nature of kindness.