How to Read “断じて行えば鬼神も之を避く”
Danjite okonaeba kishin mo kore wo saku
Meaning of “断じて行えば鬼神も之を避く”
This proverb means that if you execute things with firm determination, you can overcome any difficulty or obstacle.
The phrase “resolutely act” here refers to cutting through hesitation and executing with strong will. The part “even demons and gods will avoid it” expresses the greatness of human willpower, where even demons and gods with supernatural powers would yield before such firm resolve. In other words, it teaches us that if we truly set our minds to something, we can achieve even what seems impossible.
This proverb is used when striving toward big goals or facing difficult situations. What’s characteristic is that it emphasizes the importance of action taken with resolve, not mere optimism. Even today, it’s used as words of self-encouragement during important life moments such as exam preparation, job hunting, and starting businesses.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is said to originate from a passage in the ancient Chinese classic “I Ching” (Book of Changes): “If you resolutely act, even demons and gods will avoid it.” The I Ching is known as an ancient Chinese divination text, but it has actually been revered throughout East Asian cultural spheres as a scripture containing deep philosophical thought.
The term “demons and gods” might feel unfamiliar to us today. However, in ancient China, demons and gods were feared as beings possessing mighty power that transcended humans. This proverb expresses the power of firm human will so strong that even such supernatural forces would avoid it.
It was transmitted to Japan along with Buddhism and Confucianism, and was also valued as a spiritual pillar of bushido (the way of the warrior). It’s believed that it became frequently quoted in educational and moral contexts, particularly from the Edo period onward. The patriots of the Meiji Restoration likely carried these words in their hearts as they overcame the difficult times. Even today, it remains beloved as words expressing the mindset needed when trying to accomplish something.
Interesting Facts
While the term “demons and gods” has a frightening image today, in ancient China they weren’t necessarily evil beings. “Demons” represented the souls of the dead, while “gods” represented transcendent forces of the natural world, referring to all beings that exceeded human power.
The classical term “avoid” (saku) that appears in this proverb has a slightly different nuance from the modern “avoid” (sakeru). Rather than simply fleeing, it carries the stronger meaning of yielding the way with respect, expressing reverence toward strong human will.
Usage Examples
- I intend to approach the upcoming exam with the spirit of “If you resolutely act, even demons and gods will avoid it”
- The new business has many difficulties, but let’s work hard with the attitude of “If you resolutely act, even demons and gods will avoid it”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, new perspectives have been added to the interpretation of this proverb. In our information age, we tend to be constantly troubled by the abundance of choices. Seeing others’ success on social media or being swayed by countless pieces of information often creates doubt in our own decisions.
Perhaps it’s precisely because of such times that the importance of the strong will to “resolutely act” is being rerecognized. Even in today’s business world, there are numerous examples of innovative leaders like Steve Jobs who realized new ideas by pushing through opposition from those around them.
However, in modern times, not only individual willpower but also teamwork and cooperation are valued. A modern interpretation would be having the balance to maintain harmony with others while possessing will strong enough that “even demons and gods avoid it.”
Also, as a phenomenon unique to the SNS era, this proverb is increasingly used in self-help contexts. However, there are cases where it’s misused as mere grit theory without understanding its true meaning. True “resolute action” refers not to emotional momentum, but to firm determination based on calm judgment.
When AI Hears This
The linguistic strategy of this proverb actually possesses a remarkable structure that expresses what modern science is beginning to uncover about “the interaction between consciousness and reality” as ancient wisdom.
By introducing supernatural beings called “demons and spirits,” it positions human willpower as a physical force. This isn’t merely a metaphor, but a linguistic design that treats the power of will as “real energy that can influence physical laws.”
In modern quantum mechanics, the “observer effect” has demonstrated that an observer’s consciousness actually influences physical phenomena. In medicine, the “placebo effect” – where patients’ strong beliefs produce actual therapeutic results – has been confirmed in 30-40% of cases. Furthermore, psychology’s “self-fulfilling prophecy” theory has proven that people with strong beliefs unconsciously change their behavior, ultimately altering reality.
This proverb’s expression “even demons and spirits avoid” defines willpower as “real energy capable of confronting invisible forces.” This represents ancient scientific intuition that treats mental strength – which modern people tend to dismiss as merely “a matter of mindset” – as equivalent to physical force.
In essence, this proverb can be called a masterpiece that articulates an extremely advanced worldview, one that perceives human consciousness as “a physical force that changes reality.”
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is the greatness of willpower. Precisely because we live in an age of information overload, the strength to stick to our beliefs becomes more important than ever.
What matters is not mere stubbornness, but firm determination after thorough consideration. Having the courage to walk the path you believe is right without being swayed by surrounding noise. That could be called the modern version of “resolute action.”
This proverb also teaches modern people, who tend toward perfectionism, the importance of taking action. Even if you can’t have 100% confidence, if you have 80% confidence, try taking that step. That one step might open unexpected doors.
Surely there’s something in your heart that you want to “resolutely act” upon. Whether it’s a small goal or a big dream doesn’t matter. When you cut through hesitation and take that first step, you’ll surely see a new world.
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