Even On the Stone, Three Years

Oita Godo Newspaper (evening edition on April 14, 2008)

“石の上にも三年(Ishi no ue ni mo sannen)” is a Japanese idiom meaning “Make a great effort to continue whatever you are doing, so that someday the success will eventually come to you.”

On a cold stone, even though you sat for three years, it would never become warm. However, this idiom has been using frequently in order to explain and encourage people to try for a period of time, do not give in so soon after the beginning.

The reason is because this idiom emphasize that before you clearly understand yourself, know what you really want, realize if what you are doing is worth or not, etc., at least three-year time must be sacrificed.

Nowadays in Japan, young people who are not students anymore but still do not have any job are called ‘NEAT’, and are increasing in number. Despite that, actually human can go forward by collecting a lot of experiences. These mentioned three years are crucial for us to learn through following footsteps of predecessors.

In human’s memory, there is merely one lifetime to be recognized. And it is here, right now in your hands. Just do not give in, first try to give it a three-year effort instead!!

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand