How to Read “That was one time, this is another time”
Kare mo ittoki, kore mo ittoki
Meaning of “That was one time, this is another time”
“That was one time, this is another time” is a proverb that expresses how the value and meaning of things change depending on circumstances and eras.
What was once important may no longer matter today. Similarly, what seems important now will eventually change in value.
This proverb captures the transformations that occur with the passage of time.
People often use this saying when comparing the past with the present. It shows that “what was right back then” differs from “what is right now.”
The proverb recognizes that absolute values don’t exist. Instead, values shift according to the times and situations.
In modern times, this proverb resonates more deeply than ever. Technology and society change at incredible speeds.
We constantly witness cutting-edge technology becoming outdated. We see aesthetic sensibilities and values transform with each generation.
This saying teaches us not to cling to fixed ideas. It reminds us to embrace change with flexibility.
Origin and Etymology
The exact origin of this proverb hasn’t been pinpointed in historical texts. However, the structure of the phrase offers interesting insights.
The proverb uses contrasting demonstrative words: “kare” (that) and “kore” (this). “Kare” refers to something distant, while “kore” points to something close.
Here, these words don’t indicate physical distance. Instead, they represent different points along a timeline.
“Ittoki” means “one time” or “a certain period.” Together, the phrase contrasts two different moments in time.
Many scholars believe this expression connects deeply with Buddhist philosophy. Specifically, it relates to the concept of “shogyō mujō” (impermanence of all things).
This Buddhist teaching states that everything changes and nothing remains the same forever. The proverb likely emerged as an everyday expression of this fundamental truth.
Japan’s natural environment also influenced this saying’s development. The country’s four distinct seasons create constant visible change.
Cherry blossoms bloom gloriously in spring, then scatter. Summer’s green leaves turn to autumn’s brilliant colors, then wither in winter.
Witnessing nature’s cycles daily, people deeply internalized the idea that “the current state won’t last forever.”
This proverb captures a universal truth through simple contrasting structure. It reflects the wisdom of ancestors who understood how time transforms value and meaning.
Usage Examples
- Letters used to be the main way to communicate, but now we have email and social media. That was one time, this is another time.
- Clothes that were trendy back then look outdated now. That was one time, this is another time.
Universal Wisdom
“That was one time, this is another time” contains profound wisdom. It shows how humans seek permanence while accepting that everything changes.
People instinctively crave stability. We want our current state to last forever.
During happy times, we think “I hope this happiness never ends.” During difficult periods, we fear “this suffering might last forever.”
Yet throughout history, our ancestors saw through these wishes and fears. They recognized the truth that everything continuously changes.
This proverb has endured because it offers comfort and encouragement to hearts that fear change.
If today is painful, remember it won’t last forever. If today is wonderful, don’t cling too tightly to it.
This dual teaching has supported people’s hearts across generations.
The proverb also warns against human arrogance. It points out the danger of clinging to current values or success as absolute truths.
History shows countless examples of supposedly absolute values being overturned. The flexibility to accept change has been humanity’s essential survival skill.
When AI Hears This
The second law of thermodynamics teaches that entropy, or disorder, always increases in closed systems.
Interestingly, concentrations of power and wealth in human society are just “temporarily created order” from this perspective.
Imagine someone accumulates enormous wealth. This represents a local concentration of energy and resources—a low-entropy state.
However, according to physical laws, this concentrated state is unstable. Just as water flows from high places to low, concentrated things constantly face pressure to disperse.
Asset division through inheritance, wealth loss during economic crises, and the downfall of powerful figures all demonstrate this “pressure toward equilibrium” at work.
Even more notable is how entropy increase relates to time’s arrow. Water spilled from a cup won’t naturally return.
Similarly, once order collapses, it doesn’t restore itself. Once-prosperous people fall while the oppressed rise to prominence.
These reversals express the universe’s fundamental tendency to average everything out. Human social changes actually follow cosmic physical laws.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people not to fear change but to live with it as a given.
The difficulties you face today won’t last forever. At the same time, the success and happiness you enjoy now will eventually transform.
In modern society, clinging to past successes or existing values can actually hinder growth.
Thinking “this is how it used to be” or “this method has always worked” sometimes blinds us to new possibilities.
This proverb encourages us to free ourselves from such fixed ideas.
What matters is balancing flexibility to accept change with maintaining your unchanging core.
Understand that values shift with times and situations, yet keep your own axis steady. This attitude gives you strength to navigate our rapidly changing world.
Today’s worries might look different from a new perspective tomorrow. Today’s common sense might seem outdated tomorrow.
Thinking this way, doesn’t your heart feel a bit lighter? Change isn’t your enemy—it’s a door to new possibilities.
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