Japanese Words of Wisdom

Photo: flickr.com, rthakrar, cc licence

Continuing the series of articles on words of wisdom from various peoples, this time we head decidedly eastward. As is well known, Easterners have achieved many insights on matters of life harmony, peace, accord with nature, self-discipline and respect between generations.

• If a problem can be solved, you need not worry about it. If a problem cannot be solved, there is no point in worrying about it.
   
• Think it through - then decide; once you have decided - stop thinking.
   
• Do not hold back those who are leaving; do not drive away those who are arriving.
   
• Fast means slow, but without interruption.
   
• Better to be the enemy of a good person than the friend of a bad one.
   
• Without simple people, there would be no great ones.
   
• He who truly wants to climb high invents a ladder.
   
• A husband and wife must be like a hand and eyes - when the hand hurts, the eyes weep, and when the eyes weep, the hand wipes away the tears.
   
• The sun does not know the righteous. The sun does not know the deceitful. The sun shines without the aim of warming anyone. One who has found themselves is like the sun.
   
• The sea is powerful because it does not scorn the small streams that flow into it.
   
• Even a long journey begins with the nearest step.
   
• He who drinks does not know the harm of wine; he who does not drink does not know its benefit.
   
• Even if a sword is needed only once in a lifetime, it should be carried always.
   
• Beautiful flowers do not bear good fruit.
   
• Sorrows, like torn clothes, must be left at home before going out.
   
• When you are in love, smallpox scars are as beautiful as dimples.
   
• No one stumbles while lying in bed.
   
• One kind word can warm three winter months.
   
• Give way to fools and madmen.
   
• When drawing a branch, you must hear the whisper of the wind.
   
• Check seven times before you begin to suspect a person.
   
• Do all that you can, and leave the rest to fate.
   
• Excessive happiness borders on foolishness.
   
• Into a house where people laugh, happiness comes.
   
• Victory goes to the one who endures half an hour longer than their opponent.
   
• It sometimes happens that a leaf sinks while a stone floats.
   
• You do not shoot an arrow at a smiling face.
   
• Cold tea and cold rice are bearable, but a cool glance and cold words are unbearable.
   
• At ten - a wonder, at twenty - a genius, but after thirty - an ordinary person.
   
• When a woman sets her mind to something, she will pass through solid rock.
   
• Asking is a moment of shame; not knowing is a shame for life.
   
• A perfect vase has never come from the hands of a poor craftsman.
   
• Do not be afraid to bow a little - you will straighten up more proudly.
   
• Deep rivers flow quietly.