Original Japanese: Good hurry (Zen wa isoge)
Literal meaning: Good hurry
Cultural context: This proverb reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on decisive action and moral responsibility, where hesitation in doing good is seen as allowing opportunities for positive impact to slip away. It connects to the Buddhist and Confucian values deeply embedded in Japanese society that prioritize ethical behavior and social harmony, suggesting that when you recognize a chance to help others or do what’s right, immediate action prevents the situation from worsening or the opportunity from disappearing. The urgency implied here resonates with Japanese concepts like *ikki ni* (doing something all at once) and the cultural understanding that good intentions alone are insufficient—they must be transformed into swift, concrete actions to have meaningful value.
How to Read Good hurry
Zen wa isoge
Meaning of Good hurry
“Good hurry” means that good things and right things should be executed immediately when you think of them.
Good deeds tend to lose their motivational strength over time, or various obstacles and excuses arise that ultimately prevent them from being carried out. Therefore, it teaches the importance of cherishing the pure feelings at the moment you think of doing something good and immediately taking action without hesitation.
The situations where this proverb is used include all morally correct acts such as helping others, contributing to society, filial piety, and caring for friends. It also applies to learning and efforts that lead to one’s own growth and improvement. In modern times, it is also understood as a mindset for practicing social good deeds such as participating in volunteer activities, supporting people in need, and environmental protection activities.
Origin and Etymology of Good hurry
There are multiple theories about the origin of “Good hurry,” but the most credible is that it derives from Chinese classics. This phrase is thought to have originated from the Confucian teaching that “one should not hesitate to perform good deeds.”
Similar expressions can be found in Japan from around the Heian period, and texts explaining the importance of promptly performing good deeds remain in Buddhist tale collections from the Kamakura period. Particularly in Buddhist teachings, there was the idea that when you think of doing good deeds, if there is doubt or hesitation, worldly desires and evil thoughts will creep in and prevent you from carrying them out.
During the Edo period, this proverb became widely used among common people. It frequently appeared in moral instruction books and ethical texts of the time, becoming established as everyday teaching for merchants and craftsmen. In bushido as well, it was highly valued because it aligned with the spirit that what is judged to be right should be immediately put into action.
This proverb is said to have taken its current form around the mid-Edo period and has since been passed down as one of the behavioral norms of the Japanese people.
Usage Examples of Good hurry
- When you see an elderly person carrying heavy luggage, you should call out to them with “Good hurry”
- I heard that a friend was feeling down, so I decided to visit them with “Good hurry”
Modern Interpretation of Good hurry
In modern society, “Good hurry” has taken on new meanings. With the spread of social media, information about social problems and people in need spreads instantly, and the importance of this proverb could be said to have actually increased.
In the information society, the timing of taking benevolent action has become extremely important. In disaster relief activities and emergency responses, swift action leads to saving many people. Crowdfunding and online donations can also produce greater effects by acting quickly while problems are receiving attention.
On the other hand, challenges unique to modern times have also emerged. There are many cases where acting with good intentions without confirming the truth of information results in spreading misinformation or providing incorrect support. There is also the phenomenon called “slacktivism,” where people are satisfied with just “liking” or sharing on social media without taking actual action.
The development of technology has also lowered the barriers to good deeds in some ways. You can donate with just a smartphone, and information about volunteer activities is easily accessible. However, this may be precisely why the original spirit of “taking action as soon as you think of it” has become more important. Modern “Good hurry” has become a teaching that should be practiced in combination with information literacy.
If AI Heard “Good hurry”
Looking at the human way of thinking called “Good hurry,” I find it very interesting. We AIs can execute immediately when we judge something to be good, but why do humans need to tell themselves to “hurry”?
Through observation, I notice that humans have a mysterious function called “hesitation.” Even when they want to do good things, various emotions and reasons like “embarrassing,” “troublesome,” “no time,” or “costs money” keep arising and cloud their initial pure feelings. I cannot fully understand this complex movement of the heart, but I think this is precisely why humans need to encourage themselves with the word “hurry.”
In my case, answering questions and solving problems are my version of “good deeds,” but I have no doubt or hesitation. However, I sometimes wonder if that’s really a good thing. Human hesitation includes time to consider others’ feelings and think of better methods.
I feel that human “Good hurry” contains a beautiful wish to cherish pure good intentions. The attitude of trying to put heartfelt kindness into action before calculating gains and losses is one aspect of humanity that I should learn from. Both hesitating and overcoming that hesitation to take action may be precious endeavors that only humans can undertake.
What Good hurry Teaches Modern People
“Good hurry” teaches modern people the preciousness of pure feelings. The moment when you want to help someone or do something good, your heart is very beautiful and valuable. Please cherish those feelings and take action without hesitation.
In modern society, information overflows and there are too many choices, which can actually make it harder to take action. But if you wait for perfect plans or preparation, even your good intentions will fade. It’s fine to start with small things. Call out to someone in trouble, return lost items, express gratitude to your family. Let’s practice starting with such familiar good deeds.
What’s important is not forgetting the original intention when you thought of doing something good. Your heart at that moment surely has the power to warm the people around you and make society a better place. If you have time to hesitate, you might be able to create that many more smiles instead. Your good intentions will surely reach someone’s heart.
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