There is a proverb that says "Life itself is a treasure." in Okinawa where I came from.
These words are said to be from the last king who ruled over the islands about 400 years ago.
According to a tale, he said this phrase when he admitted the defeat of the battle against the troops from the southern part of Japan. But it is also said that those words were not for king himself, but for his people. When the defeat became very obvious, he no longer wished his followers to continue the battle because he didn't want to see any more death of his people. So that he made up his mind, and with this phrase, ended the battle.
This is the story about the origin of the proverb.
Even though the story might be dressed up as it got through and might become much beautiful than the original, I believe that the king actually had a very generous mind because of the existence of this story. If he had not been kind for his people, I expect that the story itself wouldn't have been born.
This saying remained for 400 years because this was the phrase that was born from King's love.
But I'm sure that if we start using this proverb to save only our lives and not others', it will no longer give any impression, and will die soon.
2 comments:
This is a lovely and true saying, Saku, thank you for sharing this story. And yes, I agree, we have to understand that life is truly a treasure for all; then this wisdom can live on.
(Your English is excellent here)
I was having a bad day until I read that. Thanks.
I really like that saying.
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