(Note: I use AI to help me translate my stories from Japanese to English.)
This quote is by Nobuhiko Obayashi, a famous Japanese movie director.
I first heard this quote on TV several years ago. I was deeply impressed by it and wrote it down.
On the program, a well-known Japanese actress shared this quote with high school graduates. She said she had learned it from her junior high school principal.
When I first heard this quote, I was surprised. At the same time, I felt a little disappointed that I hadn’t known it earlier. I thought it was a wonderful saying.
Every time you say “thank you,” you become wiser.
Every time you say “I’m sorry,” you become kinder.
Every time you say “goodbye,” you come to understand love.
What does this quote mean?
Since it is like a piece of art, different people may interpret it in different ways.
“Every time you say ‘thank you,’ you become wiser.” What does this mean?
When someone does something for you that you cannot do yourself, you say “thank you.” By observing them, you may learn how to do it, and in that way, you become wiser.
Also, when you don’t know something, you ask questions. After receiving help, you say “thank you.” Through this process, you learn and grow wiser.
“Every time you say ‘I’m sorry,’ you become kinder.” What does this mean?
When you make a mistake, you say “I’m sorry.” Through that experience, you begin to understand how others feel when they make mistakes. As a result, you become kinder.
I have made many mistakes and apologized many times. Because of that, I find it difficult to judge others harshly when they make similar mistakes.
Sometimes, I feel that people who haven’t made many mistakes can become a bit arrogant.
“Every time you say ‘goodbye,’ you come to understand love.” What does this mean?
When you part from someone—whether because they move away or pass away—you say “goodbye.” At that moment, you often realize how much love you received from them.
I once had a boss at work. When I heard she was leaving, I was surprised. When I said goodbye to her, I remembered all the kindness she had shown me.
Every time you say “thank you,” you become wiser.
Every time you say “I’m sorry,” you become kinder.
Every time you say “goodbye,” you come to understand love.
This quote is simple. However, like the equation “E = mc²,” it has great power and deep meaning.