How to Read “Fast and bad is not serious, slow and bad is even worse”
Hayakute ashishi daiji nashi, osokute ashishi nao ashi
Meaning of “Fast and bad is not serious, slow and bad is even worse”
This proverb warns that in work or tasks, finishing quickly even with poor quality is still acceptable. But being both late and poor in quality is the worst outcome possible.
The teaching is clear: avoid spending too much time chasing perfection. Don’t end up missing deadlines while also delivering poor quality. That’s the worst result of all.
If you finish fast, even imperfect work leaves time for corrections. The other person also has room to think of solutions. But if you’re late and the quality is bad, there’s no time left. You also lose trust.
People use this proverb to warn perfectionists who can’t meet deadlines. It helps them think about balancing speed and quality. Even today, this lesson works well for managing projects and setting priorities.
The proverb teaches the importance of creating something quickly first. Then you can improve it from there. This approach is valuable in modern work.
Origin and Etymology
The exact first written appearance of this proverb is unclear. But it likely circulated among common people during the Edo period as practical wisdom.
The structure creates a contrast between two halves. This is a typical pattern in traditional Japanese proverbs.
The saying presents two failure patterns: “fast and bad” versus “slow and bad.” Then it contrasts their evaluations: “not serious” versus “even worse.” This clearly shows work priorities.
The phrase “daiji nashi” means “not a big deal.” It reflects the practical sense of that era. If you’re fast, poor quality falls within acceptable limits.
Meanwhile, “nao” in “nao ashi” is classical Japanese meaning “furthermore” or “even more.” So “slow and bad” becomes “even worse” or “much worse.” This is strong emphasis.
The proverb likely emerged from craftsman culture and merchant society. In a world where meeting deadlines directly affected trust, people valued finishing on time. Even with minor flaws, this mattered more than perfection that came late.
The wisdom born from such practical workplaces is condensed in these words.
Usage Examples
- You obsessed over the proposal’s perfection, submitted it late, and the content was mediocre anyway. That’s “fast and bad is not serious, slow and bad is even worse.”
- His work style perfectly embodies “fast and bad is not serious, slow and bad is even worse.” He always breaks deadlines and his work is full of mistakes.
Universal Wisdom
This proverb has been passed down because it perfectly captures a fundamental human struggle. We all waver between the desire to create something good and the constraint of time.
Perfectionism seems like a virtue at first glance. But fear often lurks beneath it. Fear of showing imperfect work to others. Fear of criticism. Fear of failure.
And that fear paralyzes us. It ultimately leads to the worst outcome.
Our ancestors understood this human psychology deeply. Aiming for perfection is wonderful, they knew. But if it prevents action, you’ve missed the point entirely.
Rather, creating something quickly, even if imperfect, generates opportunities for improvement. You gain learning. You preserve trust relationships. They understood this well.
The proverb contains another deep insight. The element of “time” itself changes how we evaluate quality. Even the most wonderful result loses half its value if it doesn’t arrive when needed.
Conversely, something slightly imperfect delivered at the right moment can multiply in value many times over.
In life, the cost of missing timing is immeasurable. This proverb teaches us something important. It’s better to have the courage to do what you can now than to chase the illusion of perfection.
When AI Hears This
That device that makes doors close slowly, the door closer, actually hides precise calculations. If it closes too fast, the door bounces back and swings repeatedly. Too slow, and it never closes.
The perfect speed that closes in one smooth motion is called “critical damping” in control theory.
This phenomenon involves a mathematical value called the damping coefficient. If the coefficient is too small, the system oscillates. Too large, and movement becomes sluggish.
What’s interesting is this: there exists exactly one optimal value. Only one point achieves the fastest arrival at the target without oscillation. The perfect balance between “speed” and “stability” is mathematically unique.
Car suspension works on the same principle. Too soft, and the vehicle keeps bouncing with poor ride quality. Too hard, and you feel every road impact directly. Engineers design targeting values near critical damping.
What’s remarkable about this proverb is that humans grasped this physical law through experience alone. Without solving differential equations, they learned the truth from workplace experience. “Too fast or too slow both fail. There’s a just-right speed.”
The optimal solution that mathematics proves perfectly matches the wisdom of craftsmen.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people the courage to take action. In the age of social media and email, we feel constantly pressured. We think we need perfect replies and perfect results. So we hesitate to act.
But think about it. When you’re waiting for someone’s response, which makes you happier? A perfect message three days later, or a brief one the same day? In most cases, it’s the latter, isn’t it?
What matters is recognizing perfectionism as a form of procrastination. Of course, pursuing quality is wonderful. But ask yourself: is it becoming an excuse not to act?
Practically speaking, prioritize deadlines first, then do your best within that time. This approach works well. Submitting 80-point work on time and improving based on feedback is far more constructive than aiming for 100 points and being late.
This proverb teaches the importance of having courage to move forward despite imperfection. It teaches understanding the value of time as a resource.
Keep the heart that aims for perfection. But do what you can do now. That accumulation leads to real growth.
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