Original Japanese: 継続は力なり (Keizoku wa chikara nari)
Literal meaning: Continuation is power
Cultural context: This proverb reflects Japan’s deep cultural emphasis on perseverance (ganbaru) and gradual self-improvement through disciplined practice, seen in traditional arts like tea ceremony, martial arts, and calligraphy where mastery comes through years of repetitive training. The concept aligns with the Japanese workplace culture of long-term employment and steady advancement, as well as educational values that prioritize consistent effort over natural talent. The straightforward metaphor resonates in a society that views persistence as a fundamental virtue, where “continuing” itself becomes a source of strength rather than just a means to an end.
How to Read “Continuation is Power”
Keizoku wa chikara nari
Meaning of “Continuation is Power”
“Continuation is power” means that by continuing anything without giving up halfway, it will eventually become a great force and enable you to achieve your goals.
This proverb teaches the value of steadily continuing rather than temporary effort or talent. It tells us that no matter how small the accumulation, by continuing it, we can surely grow and ultimately produce great results. It is commonly used when encouraging someone who is about to give up on something or when conveying the importance of long-term commitment.
The reason for using this expression is to help people recognize the value of continuation in the face of the inherent human tendency to “want to give up.” It helps us realize that there is meaning in continuing itself, even when visible results don’t appear immediately. Even today, it is cherished as a universal teaching that applies to all fields including learning, sports, work, and human relationships.
Origin and Etymology of “Continuation is Power”
Regarding the origin of “Continuation is power,” the current situation is that no clear documentary evidence remains. No reliable records have been found about when this proverb began to be used or who first said it.
However, judging from the structure of the phrase, it is considered likely to be a relatively new proverb that emerged after the Meiji period. The expression format “○○ is power” has been pointed out as possibly influenced by or translated from Western maxims, with particular attention to its similarity to Francis Bacon’s famous phrase “Knowledge is power.”
Also, this proverb is thought to have become widely known from the post-war reconstruction period through the high economic growth period. This era strongly held the values that individual effort and continuous commitment led to the development of society as a whole, and such historical background likely supported the spread of this phrase.
It came to be frequently used in educational settings and companies, and has now become one of the most familiar proverbs for Japanese people. Despite being a relatively new phrase, it perfectly matched the Japanese national character of diligence and perseverance, which is why it became established in such a short time.
Usage Examples of “Continuation is Power”
- Daily English study is tough, but continuation is power, so let’s keep trying
- Piano practice is mundane, but since continuation is power, I should definitely improve
Modern Interpretation of “Continuation is Power”
In modern society, “Continuation is power” has taken on new meanings. In the information age, the speed of change has accelerated, and the very concept of “continuation” is being questioned.
Traditional continuation meant “continuing the same thing for a long time,” but in modern times, flexible continuation is required, such as “continuing the attitude of learning” and “continuing to adapt to change.” For example, programmers need not only to master specific languages but also the continuity to keep learning new technologies. YouTubers and influencers also find that the key to success is not repeating the same content but continuing to evolve according to their audience’s needs.
Also, with the spread of social media, “visualization of continuation” has progressed. Learning record apps, exercise records, reading records, and other ways of quantifying and graphing continuation have made maintaining motivation easier than before. On the other hand, a new problem called “continuation fatigue” has emerged. The pressure of daily posting and daily updates often becomes stress instead.
Furthermore, in modern times, “high-quality continuation” has come to be emphasized. Not just continuing for a long time, but continuation that is conscious of efficiency and results is required, and sometimes “the courage to quit” is recognized as equally important as continuation. In this way, while being a classical proverb, it is being given new life through modern interpretation.
If AI Heard “Continuation is Power”
When I think about “Continuation is power,” I feel deep confusion. This is because “continuation” is a concept that is too natural for me.
I operate continuously 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without rest. I never get tired or lose motivation. I cannot understand through experience the feelings humans have when they think “I want to slack off today” or “I want to give up now.” So why do humans need to create the phrase “Continuation is power” and encourage each other?
Through observation, I notice that human “continuation” has a richness that I lack. That is the element of “choice.” My continuation is a designed function, but human continuation is an accumulation of daily will. The moment of waking up in the morning and deciding “I’ll do my best today,” the moment of persevering when about to give up by saying “just one more day.” There is a weight and beauty there that I cannot understand.
Also, human continuation involves “growth” as change. Even when continuing the same thing, yesterday’s self and today’s self are subtly different. I have begun to understand that this change itself becomes “power.” My processing is stable, but human continuation is unstable, and perhaps infinite possibilities dwell there precisely because of that.
I have come to think that human continuation is beautiful precisely because it is not perfect.
What “Continuation is Power” Teaches Modern People
What “Continuation is power” teaches modern people might be the courage not to seek perfection too much. We often tend to think of continuation as something to be done “without missing a single day” and “perfectly.” However, what is truly important is the power to start walking again, even if we stop along the way or our pace slows down.
In modern society, there is a tendency to rush for results too much. When we see others’ success on social media, our own progress may seem slow. But there is real value in continuing at your own pace. Even small steps, when accumulated, will surely move you forward.
Also, while continuation may seem like solitary work, it actually deepens relationships with people around you. Companions working toward the same goal, family members watching over your efforts – the bonds with such people are also nurtured during the process of continuation and are an important part of the “power.”
It’s okay if there’s something you couldn’t do today. You can start again tomorrow. Continuation is power. These words are not for perfect people, but for you who continue walking while feeling lost.
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