35 ancient Japanese sayings.

35 ancient Japanese sayings.

• If a problem can be solved, then it’s not worth worrying about it. If it can’t be solved, then it’s useless to worry about it.
• Having taken the time to think, venture to act. Once you’ve done so, stop thinking.
• Do not hold back that which is departing; do not chase away that which is arriving.
• Fast means going slowly without interruption.
• It is better to be the enemy of a good person than the friend of a bad one.
• There has never been a great individual who did not have ordinary people at their side.
• He who strongly desires to rise up will think of a way to build a ladder.
• A husband and wife should be similar to a hand and an eye: when one’s hand hurts, the eyes cry; and when the eyes cry, the hand wipes away one’s tears.
• The sun does not know who is right or who is wrong. It shines without purpose and provides warmth to all.
• A frog in a well does not know the greatness of the sea.
• A long journey always begins with a short one.
• He who drinks does not know the dangers of wine; he who doesn’t drink does not know its benefits.
• Even if a sword is only required once in a lifetime, it should be worn all the time.
• Beautiful flowers do not bear good fruit.
• Grief, like a torn dress, should always be left at home.
• When one is in love, even the scars left by smallpox are as beautiful as dimples on a person’s cheeks.
• No one has ever stumbled whilst lying in bed.
• One kind word can keep you warm for three months of winter.
• Always make way for fools and madmen.
• If you want to paint a branch, you have to hear the breath of the wind.
• Check seven times before ever doubting someone.
• Do everything that you can and leave the rest to fate.
• Excessive honesty often borders on stupidity.
• Fortune will always come in to a house with laughter.
• He who endures for just half an hour longer than his opponent can achieve victory.
• As soon as stones can swim, leaves will sink.
• Even monkeys can fall from their trees.
• Cold tea and cold rice are tolerable; what is intolerable is a cold gaze and harsh words.
• If you do not enter the tiger’s cave, you will not catch its cub.
• If a woman wants something, she’ll climb a mountain to get it.
• Ask a question and you feel shame for a moment. Not asking and not knowing means you will feel shame for your whole life.
• A bad craftsman never made a perfect vase.
• The earth always hardens after the rain.
• The deepest rivers flow in silence.
• If you decide to set off on your own journey, you’ll find yourself alone for a thousand kilometers.