How to Read “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall”
Eiko seisui
Meaning of “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall”
“Prosperity and decline, rise and fall” means that prosperity and decline, flourishing and fading, happen repeatedly in the world. No matter how much glory someone achieves, they cannot keep that position forever. Eventually, the time of decline will come.
On the other hand, even if someone has fallen on hard times now, they may rise again. This proverb expresses the inevitable nature of change in the world.
People use this phrase for all levels of change. It applies to individual lives, the rise and fall of families and clans, the ups and downs of companies, and the prosperity and decline of nations.
People often use it to teach the importance of staying humble during prosperous times. They also use it to encourage hope during times of decline.
Even in modern society, we can see the truth of these words. Once-dominant major corporations decline while new startups grow rapidly. “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall” is an expression containing deep insight. It teaches us that change is the natural way of the world.
Origin and Etymology
The phrase “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall” is strongly influenced by Buddhist thought. It connects deeply with the fundamental Buddhist teaching of “impermanence.” This teaching states that everything in this world constantly changes, and nothing remains in the same state forever.
This four-character idiom consists of two paired terms: “eiko” and “seisui.” “Ei” represents plants flourishing and thriving. “Ko” represents withering and dying. “Sei” means a state of fullness and abundance. “Sui” means a state of weakening and decline.
In other words, this expression overlaps the cycle of plants in nature with human society. Plants sprout in spring, flourish in summer, and wither in autumn. The same pattern applies to human prosperity and decline.
Japan experienced major social upheaval from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period. Aristocratic society declined while warrior society rose to power. The famous opening line of “The Tale of the Heike” symbolizes this philosophy perfectly.
It reads: “The sound of the Gion temple bells echoes the impermanence of all things.” This story depicts the destruction of the Heike clan at the height of their power. Through this tale, the concept of “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall” became deeply engraved in the Japanese heart.
Interesting Facts
“Prosperity and decline, rise and fall” stands out among four-character idioms for its beautiful parallel structure. It combines two pairs of opposites: “ei” and “ko,” “sei” and “sui.”
By combining these contrasting states, the phrase expresses how rise and fall, prosperity and decline cycle within a single expression. This structure itself perfectly embodies the essence of worldly change.
During the Edo period, merchants had a saying: “Three generations is excellent.” The first generation works hard to build wealth. The second generation protects it. The third generation squanders it and falls into ruin.
This pattern of “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall” was repeatedly observed in the merchant world.
Usage Examples
- That company shows “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall.” Twenty years ago they were the industry leader, but now they’re a shadow of their former self.
- When you study history, you really feel “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall.” No great nation lasts forever.
Universal Wisdom
The proverb “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall” has been passed down for so long for a reason. Humans instinctively seek “eternity,” yet they continuously face the reality that it cannot be achieved.
Everyone wishes that the happiness and success they obtain will last forever. Those who gain power hope their position will never waver. Those who build wealth pray their fortune will never be lost.
However, looking back at history, even the mightiest empires have fallen. Even the most prosperous families have declined. Facing this unavoidable truth, the question arose: How should humans live?
The deep wisdom of this proverb lies in its teaching. It doesn’t deny change. Rather, it teaches us to accept change as a natural law. If you become arrogant during prosperous times, decline will come even faster.
Conversely, if you despair during times of decline, you will miss the chance to rise again.
Our ancestors understood what matters in this cycle. What’s important is humility during prosperity and hope during decline. The question isn’t whether to fear change. It’s how to maintain your spirit within change.
That is the true wisdom of living that humans must learn. “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall” is not merely an observation. It is deep encouragement for humans living with change.
When AI Hears This
The second law of thermodynamics teaches that “in a closed system, disorder always increases.” In other words, unless energy is supplied from outside, order naturally collapses. This offers a physical explanation for “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall.”
What’s interesting is that prospering organizations actually have structures that make them more prone to collapse. For example, giant corporations have complex departmental structures, massive rule systems, and multi-layered decision-making processes.
In physics, the more complex and highly organized a system is, the more it exists in a “low entropy state”—an unstable state. Just as ice crystals neatly stacked in a cup must melt into disordered water at room temperature, highly organized groups require enormous energy to maintain.
For companies, that energy is employee effort, funding, and new ideas. The moment this supply stops, the organization naturally begins to disorder. Meetings become empty rituals, coordination between departments breaks down, and talented people leave. This is exactly a state of increasing entropy.
Conversely, small startups have momentum because their simple structure can maintain order with low energy. From the perspective of physical laws, the decline of the prosperous is an unavoidable truth of the universe.
Lessons for Today
What “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall” teaches you today is the value of “now”—this very moment. Neither smooth times nor difficult times last forever. That’s why how you live this moment matters most.
When you’re successful, don’t forget humility. Your success is supported by many people’s help and by the luck of the times. Never forget that gratitude.
The attitude of trying to leave something for the next generation delays decline. Even if you do decline, it’s the secret to remaining a respected person.
Conversely, if you’re in a difficult period now, keep hope alive. History is filled with stories of people who climbed up from rock bottom. Your current hardship is not eternal. It’s precious time for you to learn and grow.
Most importantly, don’t fear change. Change is not something unavoidable. It’s a door to new possibilities.
Understanding “Prosperity and decline, rise and fall” means gaining the wisdom to ride the waves of life. You won’t be tossed about by them. You’ll learn to surf them.
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