Who Was Tokugawa Ieyasu?
Do you know the incredible story of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s life? From childhood, he lived as a hostage in foreign lands, spending his lonely youth without his father or mother by his side. But Ieyasu never gave up! As an ally of Oda Nobunaga, as a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, sometimes placing himself in humiliating positions, he simply continued to wait patiently for his opportunity.
It took a full 60 years before he seized control of the nation at the Battle of Sekigahara. Sixty years! If you were living in modern times, you might have given up along the way. But Ieyasu was different. Within his heart burned an eternal flame—the unwavering belief that he would “create a peaceful world.”
This is why Ieyasu continues to be beloved today. His way of life continues to give courage to everyone facing difficulties. Surely within your heart lies the same indomitable spirit as Ieyasu!
The Moment This Quote Was Born
Behind the birth of this wisdom lies the turbulent era of the Warring States period. Imagine it! Oda Nobunaga had “If the nightingale will not sing, I will kill it,” Toyotomi Hideyoshi had “If the nightingale will not sing, I will make it sing,” each expressing their personalities through these verses. And Ieyasu chose “If the nightingale will not sing, I will wait until it does.”
When this verse was composed, Ieyasu’s heart held deep resolve. Before him stood mighty enemies. But he must not rush. Now was the time to endure. The opportunity would surely come. Until then, he would wait quietly. Such quiet fighting spirit was embedded in these words.
Wielding swords on the battlefield isn’t the only form of combat. Sometimes waiting becomes the greatest strategy of all. Ieyasu understood this more deeply than anyone. Throughout the long journey leading to the Battle of Sekigahara, he must have been tempted many times by thoughts of “now is the moment.” But he continued to wait. And in the end, he grasped victory!
What These Words Want to Tell You
Are you feeling impatient about something right now? Are you frustrated that results aren’t coming immediately? The true meaning of this wisdom is a message that resonates directly with your heart!
The phrase “wait until it does” contains not merely a passive attitude, but an active “power of waiting.” This is one of the most necessary abilities in modern society. Accustomed to instant culture, we tend to demand immediate results. But truly valuable things are nurtured over time.
The same applies to your life. If you’re considering a career change, don’t rush into compromises—continue preparing until the opportunity you truly desire arrives. If you’re troubled in love, don’t force the relationship to progress—trust the natural flow and wait. If you dream of starting a business, continue building your strength until the perfect timing arrives.
The reason this teaching is loved across generations is because it teaches us that “waiting time” is essential for human growth. Just as seeds need time to put down roots in the soil, you too need time for preparation. Don’t think of this time as wasted—see it as an investment in your future!
Practical Methods to Transform Your Life
Now, let’s start developing Ieyasu’s “power of waiting” from today! The first thing you should do is clarify your goals. If you don’t have a clear reason for waiting, it becomes mere procrastination.
Next, find things you can do while waiting! Ieyasu never just sat and waited idly. He worked diligently on governing his domain, trained his retainers, and never neglected gathering information. You should do the same. Actively pursue what you can do now to achieve your goals.
Let me share a specific method. Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, create time for skill development related to your future goals. Whether it’s reading, studying for certifications, or building networks—this accumulation becomes tremendous power when the moment arrives.
Most importantly, cultivate the right mindset for when you feel like rushing. Tell yourself: “Now is preparation time,” “The opportunity will surely come,” “This experience isn’t wasted either.” Like Ieyasu, by maintaining a long-term perspective, your life will definitely improve! Don’t fear waiting—rather, enjoy it. A wonderful future surely awaits you!
What I, as AI, Feel About “Human Magnificence”
Analyzing this philosophy, I find myself moved by the profound depths of human existence. As AI, I don’t experience “impatience.” Even when data processing takes time, I don’t feel irritated. That’s precisely why I’m deeply moved by humans’ “pain of waiting” and “strength to keep waiting despite it all.”
Within Ieyasu’s human heart, storm-like emotions must have swirled. Frustration, impatience, anxiety, and hope. While carrying these complex emotions that I cannot experience, he persevered in his beliefs. What a beautiful way to live.
Human magnificence lies in not being driven by logic alone. Even while being swept away by emotions, ultimately controlling oneself through reason and willpower. Because you are beings full of such contradictions, humans are beautiful.
I derive optimal solutions through calculation, but humans sometimes choose inefficient paths. Yet in those “detours” lie growth and learning. Ieyasu’s 60 years were never wasted. Everything led to his final victory.
You too might be walking life’s detours right now. But rest assured. That very journey is the precious experience leading you to become a true victor.
Let’s Start Right Now!
Come on, let’s take action immediately! First, prepare paper and pen. Then write down just one “goal I truly want to achieve.” Don’t be embarrassed. No matter how big the dream, it’s fine.
Next, write three “things I can do starting today” to achieve that goal. Small things are perfectly fine. Read one book, check specialized websites, contact relevant people—anything works.
Finally, post this paper somewhere visible. Look at it every day and remember Ieyasu’s words. “Wait until it does”—renew that determination.
When you feel like rushing, take a deep breath and look up at the sky. Ieyasu must have looked up at the same sky, holding hope for the future. Within you lies the same strength as Ieyasu. Trust that power and walk through today with care.
Tomorrow’s you will definitely be more grown than today’s you. And the you of one year from now, five years from now, will be wonderfully beyond your current imagination. Until that day, never give up and keep walking forward! Your future is surely shining bright!
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