Uchikura & Co., LLC

Namakeru — Use It or Lose It

The Japanese word namakeru (怠ける) is usually translated as “to be lazy.” But there is another way to think about it.

 

Anything left unused begins to deteriorate.

 

Food left too long loses its freshness and eventually spoils. A machine that never runs may rust. Muscles that are not used become weaker. The same is true of our skills, knowledge, and abilities.

 

What we do not use, we gradually lose.

 

This gives namakeru a more interesting meaning than simply “not wanting to work.” When we stop making an effort, the abilities we have developed can slowly weaken.

 

Of course, we must distinguish between someone who cannot work and someone who chooses not to work. Those who genuinely cannot should receive help and support.

 

But when we are capable and simply refuse to use our abilities, too much help may actually encourage further decline.

 

Helping people is important. But sometimes the best help is encouraging them to use the strength they already have.