How to Read “早起きは三文の徳”
Hayaoki wa sanmon no toku
Meaning of “早起きは三文の徳”
“Early rising is three mon virtue” means that the benefits and advantages gained from waking up early are small, worth only about three mon in monetary terms.
This proverb is not recommending early rising, but rather expresses that the actual benefits of early rising are not as great as one might think. Three mon was a very small amount even during the Edo period, equivalent to several tens of yen in modern value. In other words, the merits gained from early rising are, objectively speaking, merely modest ones.
This proverb is used when showing a realistic perspective to people who overestimate the effects of early rising. It is also used to express the humility of not thinking too grandly about everything and accepting small benefits as small benefits. While it is often used in modern times to encourage early rising, originally it was a proverb that showed a rather modest and realistic perspective that “the effects of early rising are not that significant.”
Origin and Etymology
When we explore the origins of “Early rising is three mon virtue,” we can see the lifestyle of common people during the Edo period. This expression is said to have appeared in literature from the mid-Edo period onward, and is thought to have originated from the life wisdom of merchants and craftsmen of that time.
Let’s focus on the amount “three mon.” Three mon in the Edo period was worth several tens of yen in current value, certainly not a large amount. However, for common people, it was also an amount that could not be dismissed lightly. The small profits and savings effects gained from early morning activities were probably expressed using this familiar unit of “three mon.”
What’s interesting is the use of the kanji “徳” (virtue). While it’s often written as “得” (gain) in modern times, originally “徳” was used. This shows that it was a concept that included not just monetary profit, but also moral value and personal improvement.
The people of the Edo period may have viewed what was gained from early rising not just as money, but as spiritual richness and growth as a person. They probably found value in the time itself – breathing the fresh morning air and preparing for the day in silence. This proverb contains the values of Edo commoners who emphasized not just efficiency, but quality of life.
Interesting Facts
When we look into what could be bought with three mon in the Edo period, some quite interesting facts emerge. With three mon, you could buy one block of tofu, one pack of natto, or some cheap sweets. In other words, it was worth about a small snack.
There’s also an interesting evolution in the distinction between “徳” (virtue) and “得” (gain). In Edo period literature, “徳” was often used, which is thought to be influenced by Confucian moral concepts. After the Meiji period, as practical thinking spread, the character “得” came to be used, and today both are mixed in usage.
Usage Examples
- I wake up at 5 AM every morning for a walk, but as they say “Early rising is three mon virtue,” well, I guess this is about right
- They say “Early rising is three mon virtue,” and indeed, what you gain from morning time is modest
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the interpretation of this proverb has changed significantly. Despite originally meaning “the effects of early rising are limited,” it is now mostly used with the recommendatory meaning that “early rising is a good thing.”
Behind this change is the growing interest in time efficiency in today’s competitive society. Business books and self-help books frequently feature the morning habits of successful people, and early rising is discussed as the key to improving productivity. The emergence of the term “morning activities” and the trend of considering effective use of morning time as a virtue also supports this modern interpretation of the proverb.
However, with technological advancement, our sense of time value has also changed. With 24-hour convenience stores and online services, many things have become possible without needing to be done early in the morning. The spread of remote work has also shaken the traditional equation of “early rising = diligence.”
What’s interesting is that many modern people have excessive expectations about early rising. Not a few people believe that waking up 30 minutes earlier will change their lives. However, the realistic perspective of “worth about three mon” that Edo period people showed might still be valid today. Rather than overestimating the effects of early rising, this proverb may be teaching us the importance of accumulating small changes.
When AI Hears This
The monetary setting of “three mon” conceals an exquisite balance between common people’s sensibilities in the Edo period and behavioral psychology. Three mon was equivalent to about 60-90 yen today, roughly the value of a single piece of penny candy.
Why “three mon” instead of “one mon” or “ten mon”? One mon would be dismissed as “just one measly mon,” while ten mon would be met with suspicion that “there’s no way you could gain that much.” Three mon represented “a small but certain profit” and was the most credible amount.
Psychologically, the number “3” holds special significance. From “third time’s the charm” to “three years of patience,” Japanese people have recognized “3” as “the minimum effort needed to achieve reliable results.” The effects of early rising can’t be felt in one day, might be coincidental after two days, but continue for three days and something will definitely change.
What’s even more fascinating is that modern behavioral economics has proven that “small, certain rewards” are most effective for habit formation. The people of Edo understood experientially that humans need “modest but reliable returns” to maintain consistent behavior. The setting of three mon may have been the optimal solution for human behavioral change.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of having a realistic perspective on small changes. We often tend to expect dramatic changes from slight modifications to our habits. However, the expression “three mon virtue” shows the importance of properly evaluating the value of change.
Whether it’s early rising or other new habits, their effects might not be as significant as we think. But that’s okay. Three mon has its own value as three mon. Not dismissing small accumulations while not having excessive expectations either. Such a sense of balance is particularly necessary in modern society, isn’t it?
Also, this proverb teaches us the virtue of humility. The mental composure to not exaggerate the results of our efforts and ingenuity, and to accept them with “well, this is about right.” That is a very important attitude for modern people who tend to fall into perfectionism.
When you start something new, try remembering this proverb. Don’t seek too much change, but cherish the small “three mon virtue.” If you approach things with such feelings, they will surely last longer.
Comments