A Stitch in Time Saves Nine — Reflective Essay

‘A stitch in time saves nine’ is an old adage which implies that one must attend to problems well in time, so that they do not become big and difficult to face at a later date. Just as it takes only a small spark to start a fire, which if not put out immediately causes great devastation. Similarly the smallest problem if not attended immediately, could become a major catastrophe.

Just as one immediately stitches a small hole in the pocket, to avoid a big tear, requiring nine stitches at a later date. Similarly postponing minor day-to-day problems do not make them disappear, but they come back to us in a much more gigantic form. It is akin to a small breach in a canal, which, if not blocked in time could breach the entire embankment, inundating large tracts of land in cities and villages.

Kingdoms have been lost by neglecting small things as a nail in a horse shoe. Most of us have heard the saying, “For want of a nail, the shoe was lost, for want of a shoe, the horse was lost, for want of a horse, the rider was lost, for want of a rider, the battle was lost, for want of the battle, the kingdom was lost.” Indeed tackling small problems successfully makes one more confident in overcoming big problems in life.

History is replete with numerous examples validating the above saying. Had Germany got a honourable settlement after World War I, the conflagration and destruction of the World War II could have been avoided. Had the National leaders shown understanding and trust, the partition of the country and the consequent blood shed could have been avoided. These are glaring examples of what can happen to great countries, if small problems and differences are not resolved in time.

Indeed it is the most practical and sound advice given by our elders including parents and teachers. However, in our haste, we tend to overlook the small details, which cause major problems at a later date.

One should therefore not ignore attending to minor problems. This is for postponing action to a later date, may be a little too late. It is a sound logic which is relevant even today and would always stand one in good stead in life. We can ignore it to our own peril.