"眠っているふりをしている人を起こすことほど難しいことはありません。"

Waking up a person who’s just pretending is incredibly tough. They’re not really asleep—they’re just acting like it. So, no matter what you do, they won’t react the way someone genuinely asleep would. They’re actively ignoring you, which makes the task pretty much impossible.

Let's take a step back and think about why someone would pretend to be asleep. It’s usually because they don’t want to deal with something. Maybe it’s a conversation they’re avoiding, a task they don’t want to do, or perhaps they're dodging some uncomfortable truth. Pretending to be asleep is a way of saying, "I’m not ready to face this." This quote is basically a metaphor for all the times people choose to ignore reality instead of confronting it.

One vivid example that comes to mind is the story of climate change. Scientists have been ringing alarm bells for decades. Imagine the scientists as people trying to wake everyone up. They shout, “Hey, the planet’s in trouble!” But many people, companies, and even governments act like they’re pretending to be asleep. They hear the alarms, but they don’t want to change their comfortable lifestyles or business models, so they act like nothing's wrong. It’s tough to wake them because deep down, they know what’s happening—but confronting it means making tough changes.

So, how do we apply this wisdom in our lives? It’s a call to self-awareness and honesty. If you find yourself pretending to be asleep—ignoring problems or avoiding difficult truths—acknowledge it. Face what you’re avoiding. It’s not easy, but being honest with yourself is the first step toward real change. The same goes for dealing with others. Recognize when someone is pretending to be asleep. Understand that no amount of shouting or cajoling will wake them until they choose to face the truth themselves. Patience and empathy are key here.

Imagine you’re at work and there’s a team member who’s always avoiding their share of the work. They’re not asleep; they're pretending. They might come up with excuses, seem overly busy with minor tasks, or just disappear when it’s crunch time. You could try talking to them directly, offering support, or even getting to the root of why they’re dodging tasks. Are they overwhelmed? Are they afraid of failing? Understanding the reason can help you find a way to actually “wake” them.

Here’s a relatable scenario: You’re in a relationship, and you start noticing issues. Maybe your partner is distant, or there’s something off. You try to talk about it, but they brush it off, saying they’re just tired or stressed. They’re pretending to be asleep, avoiding the real conversation. It’s frustrating. But instead of pushing harder, which might just make them dig in more, you could try approaching it gently. Share your feelings, make it about mutual growth, and create a safe space for honesty. This way, they might feel less threatened and more willing to “wake up.”

So, next time you encounter someone—or yourself—pretending to be asleep, remember this: Waking up is a choice. Be patient, be kind, and face the truth, however tough it might be. That’s the real deal.