How to Read “好機逸すべからず”
Kouki issu bekarazu
Meaning of “好機逸すべからず”
“Good opportunity must not let escape” means that when a good chance or excellent opportunity arises, one must not overlook it or waste it.
This proverb is based on the premise that important opportunities in life do not come frequently, but are rather rare and precious. Therefore, it teaches that when such good opportunities come around, one should take positive action without hesitation. However, rather than simply jumping in impulsively, it also requires the judgment to discern whether it is truly a valuable opportunity.
It is used in situations that could become turning points in life, such as job change opportunities, investment chances, encounters with people, and learning opportunities. The reason for using this expression is that humans have a psychology of wanting to remain in a safe status quo, and tend to hesitate to act out of fear of change. It teaches the importance of having the courage to take a step forward against such passive attitudes.
Origin and Etymology
“Good opportunity must not let escape” is a phrase that originates from Chinese classics. This expression directly incorporates the structure of classical Chinese into Japanese, with the part “issu bekarazu” corresponding to the Japanese translation of the classical Chinese negative expression “不可” (buke).
“Issu” means “to let escape” or “to lose,” and “bekarazu” is a prohibitive auxiliary verb meaning “must not do.” So the literal translation becomes “must not let good opportunities escape.” This phrase is thought to have been transmitted to Japan through Chinese military strategy books and political philosophy texts.
This way of thinking was particularly valued among the samurai class from the Warring States period to the Edo period. On the battlefield, split-second decisions could mean the difference between life and death, so it was necessary to discern chances and act immediately. It also came to be used among merchants in the sense of not missing business opportunities.
It frequently appeared in moral instruction books of the Edo period and became widely known among common people. From the Meiji period onward, as Japan pursued modernization, it was valued in educational settings as a phrase explaining the importance of seizing opportunities. In this way, it is a proverb that has established itself as a behavioral guideline for Japanese people across the ages.
Interesting Facts
The character “逸” (itsu) originally came from the meaning “a horse running away.” It combines the horse radical with the character “失” (lose), expressing the scene of an important horse escaping. In ancient China, horses were extremely valuable property, so losing them meant a great loss.
The archaic expression “bekarazu” in this proverb means prohibition in the sense of “must not do” in modern times, but during the Edo period, books called “bekarazu collections” that compiled life lessons were popular among common people. The expression “bekarazu” was more familiar to people of that time than modern people might think.
Usage Examples
- This job offer has such good conditions, good opportunity must not let escape, so I gave an immediate answer
- Stock prices have dropped significantly, but good opportunity must not let escape, this might be the right time to buy
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of “good opportunity must not let escape” has changed significantly. In the information age, opportunities come much more frequently than before and in shorter cycles. Digital age-specific opportunities such as chances for social media viral spread, online business opportunities, and participation in crowdfunding are born daily.
However, it is also an age of information overload. All kinds of information proclaim “this is a chance” and “only available now,” making it difficult to discern truly valuable opportunities. In modern times, not being misled by false opportunities may be more important than not missing good ones.
Also, with the collapse of the lifetime employment system and diversification of work styles, the way we perceive opportunities in career development has changed. Staying with one company can sometimes be a risk, and an attitude of actively seeking opportunities is required.
On the other hand, with growing interest in environmental issues and sustainability, criticism of “opportunism” that pursues short-term profits has also strengthened. Modern “good opportunity must not let escape” is evolving into a concept that requires comprehensive judgment including social value and long-term perspective, not just profit pursuit.
When AI Hears This
Even when working the same part-time job at the same convenience store, one person feels it’s “boring work” while another sees it as “a perfect chance to learn customer service skills.” This difference reveals the true nature of “opportunity.”
According to cognitive science research, the human brain receives approximately 11 million bits of information per second, but can consciously process only about 40 bits. In other words, we can only “see” a tiny fraction of reality. So what determines which information becomes visible? It’s the “prepared mind.”
For example, when someone who has learned programming sees a QR code on the street, they think “How could this be used more conveniently?” Meanwhile, someone without that knowledge sees it as merely a square pattern. They’re looking at the same thing, yet one sees a “business opportunity” while the other sees “just a pattern.”
As psychologist Louis Pasteur’s words show us—”Fortune favors the prepared mind”—opportunities don’t fall from the sky. Rather, only those who have accumulated knowledge and experience can discover the possibilities hidden within everyday, seemingly ordinary events.
Therefore, the true meaning of “opportunity should not be missed” lies not in waiting for chances, but in cultivating the eye to recognize them. Preparation is the magical device that transforms ordinary reality into extraordinary opportunity.
Lessons for Today
What “good opportunity must not let escape” teaches modern people is the importance of cultivating the eye to discern opportunities. Precisely because we live in an age overflowing with information, we need the judgment to distinguish between truly valuable opportunities and those that are not.
What’s important is not neglecting preparation. Opportunities come to those who are prepared. By constantly honing skills, cherishing connections with people, and staying sensitive to world trends, we can act without hesitation when real good opportunities arise.
Also, not fearing failure too much is important. Perfect opportunities rarely exist. Have the courage to act when you have 80% confidence. Even if the results are not as expected, the experience and learning gained from taking action will connect to the next opportunity.
In modern society, there’s no need to bet everything on one opportunity. By accumulating small opportunities, we can produce great results. While maintaining the spirit of “good opportunity must not let escape,” we can proceed steadily without rushing.
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