One Step Closer

I'd compiled some inspirational quotes by famous authors and made copies to go over with a small group of advanced ESL adult students the other day.  Before handing out the copies I wrote a favorite Thoreau quote on the board and explained that many Americans will frame a famous or favorite quote like this and hang it in their home or office. 

 I asked if any of them had seen anything like that in Japan or if anyone has a quote or poem or the like displayed in their home or at their desk.  Many Japanese display beautiful calligraphy in their homes so I didn't think it an odd question.  A long minute or so passed until finally Mr. M- broke the silence.

 "When I was a child my father had a quote hanging in our bathroom" He said.

"Really, what was it?" 

"Mo Ippo Mae" 

  "Mo Ippo Mae?"  "One step forward?" 

"Yes." He replied smiling.

Okay.  Close enough!