How to Read “If learning is not achieved, I will not return even if it means death”
Gaku moshi shinarazunba shisu tomo kaerazu
Meaning of “If learning is not achieved, I will not return even if it means death”
This proverb expresses a strong determination not to return home until one’s studies are complete. It shows a resolve to never give up or turn back until the goal is achieved.
People use this phrase when setting out toward a major goal. It’s also used when facing difficulties but choosing to stick to one’s purpose.
It’s especially common when starting challenges that require long-term effort, like academic studies or training. People say it to strengthen their own resolve or to show others how serious they are.
Today, “If learning is not achieved, I will not return even if it means death” isn’t limited to academic pursuits. It’s used more broadly to express strong will toward any goal.
It shows the determination to cut off all retreat and move forward. It represents an attitude that refuses half-hearted compromise.
Of course, it doesn’t literally mean not returning until death. It’s a metaphorical expression showing the intensity of one’s commitment.
Origin and Etymology
The exact source of this proverb is unclear. However, it likely comes from Chinese classics and Confucian thought.
The literary expression “moshi…zunba” strongly reflects classical Chinese reading style. This suggests the phrase emerged after Chinese learning came to Japan.
The extreme expression “even if it means death, I will not return” deserves special attention. This wasn’t just a metaphor but reflected actual attitudes toward learning at the time.
During the Edo period, students commonly left home to study in the capital or at learning centers. But travel was life-threatening, and securing tuition and living expenses was extremely difficult.
Under such hardships, half-hearted commitment couldn’t sustain one’s studies. The phrase “even if it means death” contains a literal willingness to risk one’s life.
Once you chose the path of learning, you wouldn’t return home even through poverty, illness, or homesickness. Not until achieving your purpose.
This expression emerged from a historical context where learning wasn’t just personal advancement. It carried the expectations of family and hometown as a serious mission.
Usage Examples
- My son left for graduate school abroad with the resolve of “If learning is not achieved, I will not return even if it means death”
- When she left her hometown, she apparently vowed in her heart “If learning is not achieved, I will not return even if it means death”
Universal Wisdom
This proverb has been passed down because it reveals a universal truth. Human growth requires the resolve to cut off all retreat.
Everyone naturally looks for escape routes when facing difficulties. Back home there’s a warm family and familiar surroundings.
Thinking this way makes you feel weak during hard times. But our ancestors knew something important.
If you truly want to accomplish something, that very “escape route” becomes your biggest obstacle.
What’s interesting is how this proverb uses negative phrasing: “will not return.” It’s not a positive declaration like “I will definitely succeed.”
Instead, it negates the backward option of returning. This strikes at the essence of human psychology.
We’re creatures more strongly moved by fear of loss than joy of gain.
This phrase also shows how to face loneliness. Leaving home and studying alone.
Whether you can endure that loneliness tests your character. Even today, people who accomplish truly great things experience this loneliness somewhere along the way.
By separating from the group and spending time with yourself, you gain real strength for the first time.
When AI Hears This
This proverb is a clever strategic design that exploits human weakness of will.
In game theory, deliberately reducing your own options can create advantages. For example, if you seriously declare “I absolutely cannot compromise further” in negotiations, the other party must concede.
This is commitment strategy.
What’s interesting are the conditions that make this strategy work. The key is that both you and others truly believe “there’s no turning back.”
In other words, the extreme expression “even if it means death, I will not return” isn’t just exaggeration. It’s strategically necessary high cost.
If the cost of cutting off retreat is low, you face temptation when difficulties arise. “Maybe I should go back after all.”
Behavioral economics research shows people strongly tend to abandon long-term beneficial choices when easier short-term options exist.
The same principle works today. Gyms charge annual fees upfront to make quitting harder.
You announce your smoking cessation to friends to raise the social cost of breaking your word.
This proverb is a rational strategy that strikes at the essence of human psychology. To increase goal achievement, “blocking escape routes” works better than “trying hard.”
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people an important lesson. If you seriously want to accomplish something, have the courage not to leave yourself an “escape route.”
Modern society overflows with options. If things don’t work out, you can choose another path.
Thinking this way seems wise. But actually, that sense of security that “I can change direction anytime” might be stealing your commitment.
Of course, you don’t need to make the extreme choice of literally not returning until death. What matters is drawing a line in your heart: “I will absolutely accomplish this.”
Once you cross that line, no more excuses. Don’t blame circumstances. Just keep facing forward and moving ahead.
Today, you can easily express weakness on social media. People around you kindly say “Don’t push yourself too hard.”
That’s proof of a warm society. But it’s also an opportunity to test your resolve.
For truly important goals, sometimes you need strength to not lean on others’ kindness. You need to stick to the path you chose.
If you have a goal that’s your “this is it,” remember the spirit of this proverb in that moment.
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