Let the water carry 1/3 away. Return 1/3 to the soil. Give 1/3 to the enemy.

a proverb heard in Bangkok

 

 

A proverb over the "income of a man" that a writer, Takeshi Kaiko learned from his Thai acquaintance. Asking him more, the writer understands it means drinking alcohol, putting money in the pot and hiding it in the ground, and giving money to wife. "This is "universally common!," the writer says and slaps his knee. From essays, "Kaiko Heiko." I'm wondering how young people these days would take this word, who don't drink too much, don't have much money, and call their spouse a partner rather than a wife.

 

"December 26  2018

from “Oriori no Kotoba” by Kiyokazu Washida, The Asahi Shimbun"