How to Read “Those who do always succeed, those who act always arrive”
Nasu mono wa tsune ni nari, okonau mono wa tsune ni itaru
Meaning of “Those who do always succeed, those who act always arrive”
This proverb means that people who keep working hard will definitely succeed. Those who take action will definitely reach their goals.
Just dreaming about something won’t make it happen. But people who actually get their hands dirty, take steps forward, and keep at it will see results.
This saying is used to encourage someone who wants to try something new. It also helps people who face difficulties and feel like giving up. You can use it to motivate yourself too.
People often use this expression because humans tend to freeze up before taking action. Anxiety and fear stop us in our tracks.
Some people worry too much about talent or luck and never take that first step. This proverb tells them to just start moving and keep going.
Even today, when you need courage to try something new, these words deliver a powerful message.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb likely comes from ancient Chinese classics. The book “Yanzi Chunqiu” contains the phrase “Those who do succeed, those who act arrive.”
This expression came to Japan and gained the word “always.” Yanzi Chunqiu records the words and deeds of Yan Ying, a famous prime minister in the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period.
The two words “do” and “act” aren’t just repetition. They carry different nuances. “Do” strongly suggests creating or accomplishing something. “Act” means actually moving and taking action.
By combining these two, the proverb teaches the importance of effort from both thinking and doing.
Adding the word “always” emphasizes continuous effort, not just one-time success. This may have connected with the Japanese value of “persistence is power” as the saying traveled to Japan.
Since ancient times, Japan has valued steady continuation over single achievements. This proverb expresses that Eastern view of effort in simple terms. That’s why people have cherished it for so long.
Usage Examples
- She practiced steadily every day. This truly shows that those who do always succeed, those who act always arrive.
- I thought starting a business was impossible, but those who do always succeed, those who act always arrive. Let me take that first step.
Universal Wisdom
This proverb has been passed down because it sees both human weakness and strength. We all have dreams and goals. But we also carry anxiety and fear.
What if I don’t have talent? What if I fail? These thoughts block our actions.
But our ancestors realized something important. Success and failure aren’t divided by talent or luck. They’re divided by whether you actually get your hands moving.
Even the best plan is worthless if you never execute it. On the other hand, even if you start out clumsy, you gain experience by acting. You polish your skills. Eventually, you reach your goal.
The deep insight of this proverb lies in the word “always.” It’s not about trying once or twice. It’s about the power of continuation.
Humans get bored easily. We give up easily. That’s exactly why continuing has immeasurable value.
This proverb seems to guarantee results, but it actually teaches the importance of the process. The act of continuing to do and act is already proof that you’re walking the path to success.
Our ancestors knew something profound. The real treasure in life isn’t just reaching the goal. It’s the growth you gain during the journey there.
When AI Hears This
The laws of the universe are merciless. If you don’t clean your room, it will definitely get messy. Iron will definitely rust. Buildings will definitely decay.
This is the second law of thermodynamics, the law of increasing entropy. Left alone, everything moves toward disorder. In other words, doing nothing isn’t neutral. It’s actually contributing to collapse.
What’s interesting here is this fact: only human action can defy this universal principle. Clean your room and it becomes orderly. Maintain a machine and it keeps running. Practice and your skills improve.
All of these are acts of investing energy to locally decrease entropy. Life is essentially an existence that creates order by resisting the flow of the universe.
The truth this proverb shows is physical. Those who do, those who act consciously keep investing energy. They can build order faster than the natural decay process.
Meanwhile, those who don’t act seem like they’re not breaking anything. But they’re actually surrendering to natural law and decaying.
The difference between success and failure might not be talent. It might be understanding this physical law. Taking action is the only way to resist the flow of the universe.
Lessons for Today
Modern society is an age of information overload. Every day, you encounter countless success formulas and how-to guides.
But this proverb teaches something different. It’s not about collecting knowledge. It’s about actually starting to move.
You don’t need to wait until perfect preparation is complete. Just start with what you can do now.
Want to write a blog? Write one article first. Want to play an instrument? Make a sound first. Want to start a business? Start small first. That one step begins the path that leads you to your goal.
And don’t forget that this proverb uses the word “always.” If you give up after trying once or twice, you can’t unleash your true power.
By continuing, you gain experience. You polish your skills. You expand your network.
Modern people tend to seek instant results. But truly valuable things take time to nurture.
Don’t rush, but don’t stop either. Keep walking at your own pace. By continuing to do and act, you’re already walking the path to success.


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