How to Read “A three-sun reconsideration”
Sanzun no minaoshi
Meaning of “A three-sun reconsideration”
“A three-sun reconsideration” teaches that small errors and imperfections should be tolerated. You don’t need to worry too much about minor deviations.
This proverb explains the importance of moving forward despite small imperfections. It’s better than stopping in pursuit of perfection.
In work or relationships, obsessing over tiny mistakes can actually slow down overall progress. Getting stuck on small details causes bigger problems.
You can use this saying when someone feels down about a minor mistake. Or when perfectionism prevents progress.
Saying “It’s just a three-sun reconsideration” helps people feel better. It gives them permission to move on.
Modern life often demands quality control and precision. But humans are involved, so some margin of error is unavoidable.
This proverb still teaches us today about balancing tolerance with practicality. Both matter equally in getting things done.
Origin and Etymology
No clear written records explain the origin of this proverb. However, we can make interesting observations from how the words are structured.
“Three sun” refers to a length of about 9 centimeters. In old Japan, this small margin of error was unavoidable when measuring.
Carpenters, tailors, and merchants measured things daily. Expecting perfect accuracy was simply not realistic in their work.
“Minaoshi” means to check again or inspect something. So “a three-sun reconsideration” likely came from practical experience.
It means that even when you measure again, a deviation of about three sun will occur. This reflects real-world work experience.
In the world of craftsmen, perfection was the goal. But they knew human handiwork would always have slight variations.
Getting stuck on tiny errors and stopping work was actually the bigger problem. Progress mattered more than microscopic precision.
This saying reflects traditional Japanese work philosophy. It balances the craftsman’s pursuit of precision with practical realism.
It teaches the importance of flexibility. Knowing when something is good enough prevents falling into perfectionism.
Usage Examples
- The tiny font size differences in the presentation are just a three-sun reconsideration, so let’s submit it now
- Even if the homemade cake looks a bit lopsided, it’s a three-sun reconsideration—the taste is amazing
Universal Wisdom
“A three-sun reconsideration” contains deep wisdom about accepting human imperfection. This understanding runs through all cultures and times.
We humans naturally seek perfection. We want to create better things, avoid failure, and escape criticism.
But these desires sometimes become chains that bind us. Perfectionism shows ambition, but it also prevents us from moving forward.
This proverb has been passed down through generations because humans have always faced this struggle. How far should we pursue excellence?
When should we draw the line? This judgment remains difficult regardless of the era.
Interestingly, this proverb doesn’t tell you to compromise. The word “reconsideration” shows that checking your work matters.
But when you discover a small deviation, don’t become trapped by it. The proverb recommends maintaining flexibility instead.
Our ancestors understood something important. Life requires both the attitude of pursuing perfection and the tolerance for imperfection.
This delicate sense of balance represents the universal truth this proverb teaches. Both sides matter equally for a fulfilling life.
When AI Hears This
The human brain has a tendency to value what it currently possesses at 2 to 3 times its actual worth.
Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman’s research proved this through experiments. The same coffee mug becomes worth twice as much once someone feels they own it.
The amount people demand to give it up doubles compared to what they’d pay to buy it. This is called loss aversion bias.
When consciousness focuses on a small part like three sun, the brain magnifies only that area in perception.
For example, when looking at a smartphone, most of your field of vision disappears. Yet you feel like you’re “seeing everything properly.”
Kahneman named this the “focusing illusion.” He explained: “Nothing in life is as important as you think it is while you’re thinking about it.”
What’s fascinating is that this cognitive trap is probabilistically irrational. The chance of losing your life to protect your tongue is high.
But the brain’s evaluation system calculates “the tongue here now” as 100 percent certain value. Meanwhile, it discounts “future life” as uncertain value.
Human decision-making isn’t based on objective cost-benefit analysis. It’s distorted by overvaluing whatever we focus our attention on.
This proverb linguistically captured what modern science calls cognitive bias. It expressed through experience what research later proved.
Lessons for Today
Modern society demands perfection more than ever before. Social media shows only other people’s shining moments.
At work, even tiny mistakes feel unforgivable. In this environment, “a three-sun reconsideration” offers you precious freedom.
This proverb teaches the wisdom of prioritizing. Perfect everything is impossible, so you must judge what truly matters.
You need to distinguish what’s genuinely important from what can tolerate slight deviation. This skill becomes essential for success.
In projects or relationships, completing something at 80 percent beats aiming for 100 and finishing nothing. Results matter more than perfect scores.
When you notice perfectionism paralyzing you, say “a three-sun reconsideration” to yourself. This simple phrase can break the spell.
The key isn’t cutting corners. It’s having courage to draw the line at the appropriate place.
Accepting minor imperfections lets you attempt more things. You gain richer experiences and accomplish more overall.
Even without perfection, your efforts hold tremendous value. Remember that as you move forward with confidence.


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