By gold 
We have all heard the proverb: “This too shall pass.”
It is often quoted at funerals, during divorces, or after a financial crash. But it is also whispered to the newlywed bride and the freshly promoted CEO.
Why? Because this three-word phrase is the most balanced truth of human existence. Joy is temporary. Pain is temporary. You are temporary.
In this post, we will unpack the mysterious origin of the phrase, the psychology of why it works, and exactly how to use “even this shall pass” to stop overthinking and start living.
The Surprising Origin of “This Too Shall Pass”
Unlike most proverbs, this one has no single author. Its origin is a blend of Persian Sufi poets and Jewish folklore.
The most famous version comes from a Persian fable:
A great king asked his wise men to create a ring that would make him happy when sad, and sad when happy. After deliberation, the sages presented a simple ring inscribed with the words: “This, too, shall pass.”
The king realized that no emotion is final. In moments of victory, the ring humbled him. In moments of defeat, it gave him hope.
The Biblical Connection
While not a direct Bible verse, the sentiment mirrors 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.”
The phrase reminds us that suffering is a season, not a sentence.
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Pain AND Pleasure
Most people use “even this shall pass” only for suffering. That is a mistake.
Let’s break this down.
1. When You Are Hurting (The Light in the Darkness)
If you are currently in a season of grief, illness, or failure, this phrase is your lifeline.
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Anxiety: That panic attack will end.
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Grief: The crushing weight will become bearable.
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Failure: This lost job or broken relationship is a chapter, not the whole book.
Action Step: Tape this phrase to your bathroom mirror. When you wake up anxious, whisper: “Even this shall pass.” It won’t fix the problem, but it will stop the spiral.
2. When You Are Thriving (The Cold Water of Reality)
This is the harder lesson. Good times pass too.
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That honeymoon phase? It passes.
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That promotion high? It normalizes.
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That perfect summer weather? It ends.
This isn’t pessimism; it is gratitude. Knowing that happiness is fleeting forces you to actually show up for it. Stop scrolling Instagram while your kids are playing. Stop worrying about tomorrow’s meeting during today’s sunset.
Action Step: The next time you feel pure joy—laughing with friends, eating a great meal—pause. Say silently: “This is temporary. Be here now.”
The Psychology of Impermanence (Why It Works)
Modern psychology backs up this ancient wisdom. The concept is called emotional habituation.
According to the hedonic adaptation theory, humans are incredible at returning to a baseline level of happiness, regardless of positive or negative events.
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Lottery winners are no happier than paraplegics after one year.
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Breakups hurt less after six months.
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Your dream job becomes “just a job” after 90 days.
Why? Because your brain is wired to normalize everything.
Therefore, fighting against “this” (the current moment) is like fighting the tide. The “even this shall pass” mindset teaches radical acceptance.
How to Apply “Even This Shall Pass” to Modern Life (3 Practical Steps)
Knowing the phrase isn’t enough. You need a protocol.
1st Step: The 90-Second Rule (For Acute Pain)
Neuroscientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor explains that a chemical emotion floods the brain and then dissipates in 90 seconds. Any lingering pain beyond that is you replaying the story.
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When anger or fear hits: Set a timer for 90 seconds.
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Repeat: “Even this shall pass.”
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After 90 seconds: Ask, “Do I want to keep suffering, or can I let it go?”
2nd Step: The “Future Journal” (For Chronic Worry)
Take a notebook. Split the page into two columns.
| Current Problem | Will this matter in 5 years? |
|---|---|
| I embarrassed myself in a meeting. | No. No one will remember. |
| I am $5k in debt. | Yes, but only if I do nothing. Passivity passes; action remains. |
This exercise shrinks your problems to their actual size.
3rd Step: The Gratitude Wake-Up (For Success Blindness)
Every morning, identify three good things that are currently happening but will eventually end.
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My morning coffee.
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My pet sleeping on my lap.
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My healthy body.
By noting that these will pass, you shift from entitlement to gratitude.
What “Even This Shall Pass” Does NOT Mean
Before you scroll away, let’s clear up three dangerous misunderstandings.
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It is not a reason to be passive. If you have a toothache, it will pass—but only after you call the dentist. Use the calm the phrase provides to take action.
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It is not toxic positivity. You don’t have to smile through trauma. You are allowed to scream, “This sucks.” The phrase just promises the sucking will end.
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It is not about erasing memory. Some things (like the loss of a child) leave permanent scars. “Passing” doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning to carry the weight with more ease over time.
Affirmations and Quotes to Memorize
Keep these in your phone lock screen.
“Nothing is permanent. Not your problems, not your successes, not you.”
“The bad news: Nothing lasts forever. The good news: Nothing lasts forever.”
“If you are going through hell, keep going.” — Winston Churchill
Conclusion: The Ring Is On Your Finger
You don’t need a Persian king’s ring to access this wisdom. You already have it.
The next time life knocks you flat—or lifts you too high—pause. Breathe. Whisper the four words that have saved civilizations, marriages, and sanity for a thousand years:
“Even this shall pass.”
Your suffering has an expiration date. Your joy is a gift to be opened now. Do not waste either one pretending they are permanent.
FAQs: “Even This Shall Pass”
Q: Is “this too shall pass” in the Bible?
A: Not verbatim, but the principle of impermanence and hope through trials is found throughout scripture, especially in Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4.
Q: How do you use “this too shall pass” in a relationship?
A: During an argument, pause and recognize the anger is temporary. During a happy date night, put your phone down and soak it in.
Q: Can I get a tattoo of “even this shall pass”?
A: Absolutely. It is one of the most popular minimalist tattoos. Just remember—the tattoo itself will not pass. 😉