How to Read “為せば成る、為さねば成らぬ何事も”
Naseba naru, nasaneba naranu nani goto mo
Meaning of “為せば成る、為さねば成らぬ何事も”
This proverb means “if you take action, things will be realized, but if you don’t take action, nothing will be realized.”
In other words, no matter how difficult things may seem, if you actually tackle them, a path will open up, but if you give up from the start and do nothing, naturally you won’t get any results. What’s important here is that it’s not simply an optimistic message of “you can do anything if you try hard,” but rather it emphasizes “the importance of taking action first.”
This proverb is used when someone is hesitating in front of a difficult challenge, or when they’re in a defeatist mood thinking “it’s impossible anyway.” In such situations, it’s used as encouragement meaning “let’s start by trying it out.”
Even today, it’s often quoted when taking on new projects, pursuing qualifications, changing jobs, starting a business, or when facing other important life decisions. What this proverb wants to convey is the importance of having the courage to take the first step, rather than standing still out of fear of the results.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is widely known as the words of Uesugi Yozan, the lord of Yonezawa Domain in the late Edo period. Yozan is remembered in history as a wise ruler who successfully rebuilt Yonezawa Domain from the brink of financial collapse.
Yozan’s actual words remain in the form of a waka poem: “Naseba naru nasaneba naranu nani goto mo naranu wa hito no nasanu narikeri” (If you do it becomes, if you do not do it does not become anything also, what does not become is because people do not do it). This poem is thought to have been composed for his retainers and domain residents while advancing domain reforms.
What’s interesting is the background in which these words were born. At the time, Yonezawa Domain’s debt had swollen to 20 times the domain’s income, and they were in such a critical situation that the shogunate was pressuring them to transfer to another domain or return their territory. In such a desperate situation, Yozan demonstrated a strong belief that “if you do it, you can achieve it.”
However, some research suggests that similar expressions existed from earlier times. But it was certainly through Yozan’s influence that it became widely beloved in its current form. These words continue to resonate with many people’s hearts because they are backed not by mere spiritual theory, but by the actual achievement of successful domain reform.
Interesting Facts
Uesugi Yozan’s words actually gained worldwide attention when John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, named Yozan as the politician he most respected. Kennedy was said to be deeply impressed by Yozan’s spirit of reform and this philosophy of “If you do it becomes, if you do not do it does not become anything also.”
Also, what Yozan actually did in his domain reforms was exactly what these words suggest: “accumulating small actions.” Cutting retainers’ salaries, reducing his own living expenses, developing new rice fields, promoting industry – each was a modest effort, but by steadily implementing them, he finally paid off all debts and transformed the domain into a prosperous one.
Usage Examples
- To a friend who was depressed because job hunting wasn’t going well, I suggested that since “if you do it becomes,” they should try increasing the number of applications first
- I have an idea for a new business, but following “If you do it becomes, if you do not do it does not become anything also,” I decided to start small first
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, subtle changes have emerged in the interpretation of this proverb. Due to the influence of the information society, the way of thinking “first gather information before taking action” has become mainstream, and sometimes more people fall into analysis paralysis.
With the spread of social media, others’ success stories have become easily visible, and as a result, “If you do it becomes, if you do not do it does not become anything also” is sometimes used with the mistaken interpretation of “you can succeed easily.” However, originally these words don’t guarantee success, but rather explain the obvious truth that “nothing begins without action.”
On the other hand, in modern startup culture and the side business boom, the essence of these words is being reconsidered. Ways of thinking like “just try it for now” and “start small and grow big” truly connect with Yozan’s spirit.
With technological advancement, an environment has been established where individuals can more easily take on new challenges than before. Tools for “doing” have dramatically increased, such as broadcasting on YouTube, online learning, and crowdfunding for fundraising.
However, in modern times, “strategic action” is required rather than blind action. The quality of action has changed from Yozan’s era, with data-based decision making and agile approaches that repeat small experiments. Still, the core part of “taking action first” remains a valuable teaching even today.
When AI Hears This
The greatest logical flaw in this proverb lies in how the premise “if you try, you can do it” completely ignores real-world constraints. Take the laws of physics as an example: no matter how hard we try, humans cannot fly through the air or travel faster than light. Yet the structure of this saying inevitably leads to the conclusion that “failure happened because you didn’t try hard enough.”
What’s even more problematic is how this logic reinforces “survivorship bias.” Only those who succeed get to say “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” while the voices of those who failed or gave up become silent. From a statistical perspective, countless cases exist where people put in the same effort but achieved different results, yet this proverb dismisses all of them with the simple phrase “insufficient effort.”
This logical contradiction becomes particularly troublesome in modern society because it justifies thought patterns that shift responsibility for inequality and disparities onto individuals. Despite the enormous influence of factors beyond personal control—like family background, economic circumstances, and physical conditions—the logic of “where there’s a will, there’s a way” makes these structural problems invisible.
In other words, while this proverb appears to be words of encouragement, it’s actually a dangerous mental trap that distorts our perception of reality.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us modern people is the importance of having the courage to begin action, even if imperfect, rather than waiting for perfect preparation.
In modern society, we’re flooded with information and tend to procrastinate with “after I research more” or “after I prepare a bit more,” but in reality, we learn more by acting while learning. Rather than standing still out of fear of failure, start with a small step. That’s the modern value this old proverb holds.
If you’re hesitating about something now, rather than making a perfect plan, try taking some concrete action, even just one thing. If it’s studying for a qualification, read one page of a reference book; if it’s a new hobby, buy one tool; if it’s improving human relationships, try saying one word. From such small acts of “doing,” an unexpected path might open up.
What’s important is not guaranteeing results, but opening the door of possibilities. “If you do it becomes, if you do not do it does not become anything also” doesn’t mean doing will always lead to success, but not doing will absolutely not lead to success. Please awaken the possibilities sleeping within you through small actions.
Comments