How to Read “世の中は二世は行かず”
Yononaka ha nisei ha ikazu
Meaning of “世の中は二世は行かず”
“The world does not go two generations” means that businesses or wealth built by the first generation often decline by the time of the second generation.
This proverb refers to the phenomenon where the foundation built through the hardships and efforts of the founder cannot be maintained by the next generation and is lost. The first generation possesses strong will and execution power to create something from nothing, but the second generation, raised benefiting from those achievements, tends to lack the same sense of crisis and ambition—expressing this aspect of human nature.
It is used when discussing business succession or when debating leadership transitions in organizations. It is also used to explain the reality that children of successful people do not necessarily achieve the same level of success. The reason for using this expression is to include a warning that nothing can continue without effort. Even today, this universal lesson is sometimes quoted when discussing corporate management by founding families or hereditary succession in politics.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “The world does not go two generations” is known as a proverb that emerged from the actual conditions of merchant houses during the Edo period.
This “nisei” (second generation) refers to what we would call the “second-generation heir” today, expressing the phenomenon where family businesses or wealth painstakingly built by the first generation decline during the second generation. In Edo period merchant society, it was not uncommon for first-generation founders to build fortunes in a single generation, but their children—the second generation—could not necessarily demonstrate the same business acumen.
Particularly from the mid-Edo period onward, as commerce developed and many merchant houses prospered, the phenomenon of “the third generation destroying the family fortune” also became frequently observed. While the first generation possessed strong will and business talent to rise from poverty, the second generation, raised in affluent circumstances without knowing such hardships, tended to have diminished passion for business and sense of crisis.
This proverb is thought to have naturally emerged and spread among people who observed such rises and falls of merchant houses. It became established among common people as a universal lesson expressing not just business matters, but the difficulty of human effort and succession.
Usage Examples
- That long-established shop also fell victim to “the world does not go two generations” and closed down during the third generation
- I’m worried about entrusting the company to the founder’s son—after all, “the world does not go two generations”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “The world does not go two generations” has come to hold more complex and multifaceted meanings.
Due to globalization and rapid technological development, the difficulty of business succession has increased incomparably compared to the Edo period. The second generation must face challenges that the first generation never experienced, such as digitalization, AI, and environmental issues. We have entered an era where traditional experience and intuition alone are insufficient, and younger generations with fresh ideas often have advantages.
On the other hand, the fixed notion of “second generations don’t succeed” itself is being reconsidered in modern times. With proper education and preparation, there are numerous examples of second generations achieving success that surpasses the first generation. Apple after Steve Jobs and many family businesses have successfully managed generational transitions.
Moreover, modern “succession” is not limited to blood relationships. It is understood in broader terms such as succession of corporate culture and ideals, and technological succession. The balance of “succession and innovation”—inheriting the founder’s spirit while implementing reforms adapted to the times—is emphasized as important.
Furthermore, with changes in the lifetime employment system, we see “second generation doesn’t succeed” thinking in individual careers as well. We have entered an era where the importance of carving out one’s own path rather than simply inheriting parents’ occupations is emphasized.
When AI Hears This
This proverb was actually a remarkable social analysis that predicted the modern problem of “hereditary inequality” 300 years ago.
Common people in the Edo period had already noticed a pattern: second-generation heirs who inherited their parents’ status and wealth often lacked the same level of ability and effort as the founders, eventually leading to their downfall. This observation is supported by modern research. According to American economists, the “third-generation rule” has been statistically proven—wealthy families’ assets return to average levels within three generations on average.
What’s fascinating is that this proverb has two faces. One represents a “desire for meritocracy”—the ideal that people should compete based on ability rather than bloodline. The other serves as a “warning against hereditary society”—a critical view of those who rely on their parents’ influence and connections.
Looking at modern Japan, we see the reality that about 30% of politicians are hereditary and about 60% of listed companies are family-run businesses. For example, the probability of a politician’s child becoming a politician is thousands of times higher than for ordinary people. This is exactly the “bloodline over ability” society that Edo period commoners feared.
This proverb is not merely a consoling phrase. It was a sharp criticism of social structures that perpetuate inequality and represented the voice of people demanding a truly merit-based society. Perhaps we modern people should learn from the insight of common folk from 300 years ago.
Lessons for Today
What “The world does not go two generations” teaches modern people is the harsh yet important reality that success and achievements are not automatically sustained.
This lesson reminds us of the importance of continuous effort. It tells us that we need an attitude of constantly pursuing new challenges, without becoming complacent about our parents’ success or clinging to past glory. At the same time, those in positions of inheriting something need to understand the weight of that responsibility and, while paying respect to their predecessors’ efforts, must add their own value.
In modern society, we can understand this proverb from a broader perspective. In all situations—organizational leadership, technological succession, cultural transmission—a balance of “succession and innovation” is required. What’s important is preserving tradition while adapting to changing times and creating new value.
Furthermore, this proverb teaches each of us the spirit of independence—that our own lives are ours to forge. While being grateful for the foundation someone else built, having the courage to walk our own path without depending on it leads to true success.
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