Kitaro Nishida's Philosophical Insights on Dedication and Life's Purpose


Kitaro Nishida (1870 - 1945), one of the most influential moral philosophers in Japan, expressed ideas such as, “Flowers bloom with single-hearted dedication, without hesitation or comparison to other flowers. These pure characteristics of flowers deeply touch our hearts. This principle applies to our lives.” He further elaborated by saying, “If you cannot identify a specific flower (mission or calling) for yourself, embrace the challenge of anything presented before you, following the voice of your heart, and you will come to know.”

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