A while ago, I had the chance to hear popular author Yasuhide Saeki speak live. Among the many interesting things he said, he mentioned that he gets up every day before dawn and finishes all his writing in the morning. By noon, he is done for the day and he's usually tucked into bed by sunset.
Mr. Saeki has a reputation as a very prolific writer. He writes roughly one book a month. I have often wondered how he could do this, but after learning about his disciplined life, I have a better idea of what it takes.
And though he's well into his 60s, he's still very fit, both mentally and physically. He looks healthy and when answering questions from the audience he is extremely articulate. Not only does he have an extensive knowledge of various topics, but he is also good at relating to people — a clear sign of wisdom. And the man is clearly wealthy, having published so many books.
The talk convinced me of the truth of this week's proverb. If I arranged my life so that I went to bed early and woke up early, I could do all sorts of things; I could be healthy, wealthy and wise.
Another good role model is Japanese monkTaido Matsubara. Yes, I know, monks have to get up early. It's part of their ascetic life. But Mr. Matsuoka can do it easily even though he's 100 years old, on top of which he has written a great number of books about Buddhism.
I first encountered his writing when I found one of his books on my late grandfather's bookshelf. I didn't think he would be writing any more, but later I learned he had published 10 books in the previous year alone. From the photograph on the book cover, he looked wise and enlightened. He radiated good health.
History has provided us with many early risers. Benjamin Franklin (1706-90), politician, diplomat, writer, scientist and the man on the U.S. $100 bill, is one of them. He is famous for his diligence, motivation and reason. This week's proverb was his motto. He had a strict daily schedule. He got up at 5 a.m. and went to bed at 10 p.m.
So we should all go to bed early and get up early. That way we'll be healthy, wealthy and wise. If only it were so easy to follow a regime like Benjamin Franklin's. I'm afraid I can't.
Q1 The key to becoming healthy, wealthy and wise is to:
A1) Stay up till late and study.
A2) Take a few naps during the day.
A3) Start the day early and go to bed early.
正解： A3) Start the day early and go to bed early.
Q2 For Kana, following a regime like Benjamin Franklin's is:
A1) Pointless.
A2) Difficult.
A3) Easy.
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