You are probably aware about the Japanese people and their culture, even if you have never been there. They one of the most technologically advanced nations, but they also keep their roots to themselves. They have ancient traditions that have survived through centuries. They are also thought to be very wise people, probably because of their close connection to their roots and the passed down knowledge from their ancestors. So, you can definitely benefit from their wisdom. Here are 27 enlightening and self-reflecting proverbs from Japan.
1. If you can solve a problem, it is not worth worrying about. If you can’t solve it, it is useless to worry about.
2. A husband and wife should behave like a hand and an eye. When a hand hurts, the eye cries, and when the eye cries, the hand wipes away the tears.
3. When you are in love, even smallpox scars are seen as beautiful as dimples on someone’s cheeks.
4. Always check seven times before doubting someone.
5. Cold tea and cold rice are bearable, but cold looks and cold words are not.
6. The tongue is three inches long but it can kill a man six feet high.
7. You can determine a reputation of a thousand years by a conduct of just one hour.
8. If you feel you understand everything, then you must be misinformed.
9. We learn little from victory and much from defeat.
10. Fortune will always come in to a house with laughter.
11. Even monkeys fall from their trees.
12. If you want to set off on your own journey, be prepared to be alone for a thousand kilometers.
13. Bad craftsmen never make a perfect vase.
14. He who endures for just half an hour longer than his opponent can achieve victory.
15. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
16. Asking makes you feel shame for one minute, but not asking makes you feel shame all your life.
17. If you think about it, decide it, and if you have decided, do not think about it.
18. One kind word can warm three winder months.
19. Where wisdom stops, boasting begins.
20. Those who smile rather than rage are the stronger ones.
21. The smallest good deed is always better than the greatest good intention.
22. A frog in a well will never know the greatness of the sea.
23. The sun does not know who is right or wrong yet it shines without a purpose providing warmth to everyone.
24. The earth always hardens after the rain.
25. Learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow.
26. Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.
27. Beginning is easy but continuing is hard.
This might seem like a lot of wisdom to embrace at once, but you can always read these proverbs again during the times you need them the most. You can reflect on them and help them guide you.