A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

To lead a fulfilling life, living in the present moment is one of the key elements. As a means of illustrating this point, I would like to provide the following figurative example. Imagine we are novelists creating a rich life story for a main character, casting our own shadows onto the pages of a novel. In this context, living in the present moment means fully portraying the main character's psychological aspects, physical actions, and the outcomes of their encounters with various daily events on every page of the novel. Throughout a series of life events, the main character learns valuable lessons by gaining diverse experiences. These experiences enable the main character to lead a fulfilling life, leaving a lasting impression on the novel's readers. However, if the main character constantly dwells on the past, living in the past due to various reasons depicted on every page of the novel, the story cannot progress. This means that the main character will find it challenging t

In our daily lives, we often hesitate to contemplate the universe beyond the limits of human perception, which our innate senses can grasp without the aid of devices. Typically, we are reluctant to accept concepts that are beyond the realm of our five senses, particularly sight. However, if we take a moment to ponder the invisible aspects of our world, we will discover a multitude of phenomena and discoveries that have resulted from rigorous experiments, substantiating assumptions and theories about these imperceptible elements. These conjectures and theories have largely sprouted from the realm of human imagination. Considering this, it becomes evident that our imagination serves as a valuable supplement to our innate senses, allowing us to explore uncharted realms of the universe. This perspective aligns with the essence of Albert Einstein's statement, "Imagination is more important than knowledge."

While taking my morning walks these days, I've noticed a significant increase in fallen leaves from the broadleaf trees lining the streets. It appears that these trees have begun shedding their leaves after a process they undertook to optimize photosynthesis during the spring and summer, and to prepare for the impending long and harsh winter in an effort to conserve energy. Similarly, people have begun to layer their clothing to protect themselves from the cold and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. While the methods may differ, both trees and humans are astutely engaged in rational energy management, adapting to changing circumstances.

When I encounter an approaching car on a road with clear visibility, and the narrowest point on the road is positioned somewhere in the middle between us, my intention is to avoid passing each other at that specific point. Interestingly, in most cases, I find myself passing the oncoming car with only a minimal margin. I am perplexed by this phenomenon, as I consciously strive to steer clear of the narrowest spot, yet I seem to be unconsciously and irresistibly drawn toward it. I lack insight into the scientific explanation behind this occurrence. Although I make a conscious effort to avoid the narrowest section, it feels as though an inexplicable force pulls me toward it. Furthermore, I wonder whether the driver of the oncoming car is consciously attempting to avoid the narrowest point or if they, too, are unconsciously drawn towards it, just like I am. I am curious about why this phenomenon seems to be exclusive to my experiences. Gaining a better understanding of it might prompt me t

When we encounter challenging situations in life, the key is to transform these challenges into clearly defined problems and categorize them as either issues to address or matters to monitor. The worst approach is to allow these challenges to become persistent annoyances that continually burden us, akin to thorns in our sides, leading to escalating psychological stress. Regarding the identified problems, it is wise to assess their priorities, devise solutions, and then take necessary actions in a sequential manner. This approach helps enhance productivity while reducing stress. However, procrastination can exacerbate stress and complicate issues during this process. To prevent this, it is advisable to develop a routine habit of managing these challenges.

The Japanese term "Budo" collectively refers to Japanese martial arts such as Judo, Karate, Aikido, and Kendo, which have their origins in the ancient tradition of "Bushido," literally translated as "The way of the warrior." Through Budo practice, individuals aim to achieve the perfect unity of mind and technique. In the process of training in Budo, people not only develop technical martial skills but also cultivate their characters, focusing on qualities such as determination, self-reliance, morality, courtesy, and mutual respect. Of course, other sports also incorporate similar aspects, such as the spirit of fair play, which involves observing the rules, showing respect for one's opponent, and discouraging violence and unfair behavior. However, one notable feature of Budo is the tradition of players beginning and ending a match with a bow. This formality plays a crucial role in helping participants suppress emotions and fighting instincts that might

One of the popular Japanese idioms, "Sessa Takuma," is literally translated as "Cutting and Polishing" and has two distinct meanings. The first meaning entails persevering in one's efforts towards studies to accumulate virtue or good karma. The second interpretation involves mutual improvement through friendly rivalry while encouraging each other. In this context, as one of the distinctive traits of excellent companies in Japan, there is a high priority placed on employee education and developing a unique corporate culture, emphasizing the principle of "cooperation and competition" within the organization, which aligns perfectly with the concept of "Sessa Takuma."

We are generally sensitive to cost-performance rather than time-performance, which measures the return on spending price or investment and how satisfied we are with it. In this regard, when we watch a video to acquire new knowledge in any field, we often feel that we have a good understanding because the video provides a large volume of visual information. However, when it comes to summarizing the content, we realize that the information we gained from the video is often insufficient. We frequently find the need to supplement our understanding with written information related to the topic. As someone once said, a 30-minute dialogue in a video can be condensed into a manuscript that we can read in just a few minutes. What I mean by this is that while a video can be helpful for beginners to acquire new knowledge, if we desire a more in-depth understanding or additional details, we often find ourselves relying on written materials. When we consider time-performance, a smart combination of

We are living both internally and externally, or mentally and physically. To lead a fulfilling life, we require material possessions, including nutritious food, as well as a positive mindset. While the former can be acquired with money, the latter cannot be purchased. Before the emergence of currency and its distribution, people relied on barter exchange to obtain goods. In essence, barter exchange involved trading products that individuals had invested time and effort in producing. Conversely, a positive mindset can be cultivated through education and self-improvement, both of which demand an investment of time and effort on the individual's part. Considering this perspective, the way we allocate our time and effort based on our values and priorities is fundamentally important for living a fulfilling life. Money is proven to be not an end goal but merely a means to manage our time and effort.

The basic concept of comparative advantage in economics can practically work to strengthen an organization's power by placing the right person in the right role. Of course, executing this effectively is easier said than done within any organization due to the complex and interconnected factors related to individual assignments. Nevertheless, making efforts to do so is essential for the smooth operation of an organization. Conversely, from the perspective of a member within an organization, possessing a specific and excellent specialty is desirable for achieving one's full potential when occupying the right position. However, even if a person has an average specialty in a particular area, having one or more additional average specialties in other areas can place that individual in a relatively invulnerable position within the organization. This observation is based on my experience of over 38 years in the workplace, highlighting the significant effects of comparative advantage w

Among Charlie Chaplin's numerous movie scenes, above all, I was deeply moved by the scene immediately before he delivered the famous, greatest fictional speech in the movie “The Great Dictator.” In that scene, the words, “It's only our hope,” given by the next man to Chaplin, awakened and emboldened him to make a speech in front of an immense number of soldiers. Here, what I am convinced of is that without being able to cling to hope for the future, people can feel depressed and lose the meaning in their lives. The word “Hope” really etched itself into my mind when I watched this scene. Those who have experienced a recovery from an irredeemable failure in life might comprehend the significance of that.

The Japanese idiom "Ishin-denshin," which can be literally translated as "With mind, transmit contents of mind," means "Interpersonal communication through unspoken or tacit mutual understanding." It can be seen as a form of telepathy, mostly occurring in face-to-face interactions, and has been developed since ancient times in isolated Japan. In various situations, Ishin-denshin is commonly used among close Japanese groups, and children are unconsciously taught to read facial expressions, sense the atmosphere, and understand what is left unsaid. This custom has played a significant role in shaping the Japanese language, making it highly context-dependent, with verbal communication relying on an implied understanding of the situation. This reliance on context might be attributed to the comfort zone that comes with a racially homogeneous nation. However, in today's era of freely flowing information, people, money, and companies crossing international bor

When we have high ambitions, like consistently striving for improvement, it's often unavoidable to experience heavy stress. On the other hand, when we have fewer ambitions, questions like "Is it okay to leave it as it is?" tend to arise in our minds, which can result in feelings of guilt and bring about another type of stress. Therefore, it's important to maintain a balance between high ambition and fewer ambition, as well as finding a balance between times of focused ambition and moments of relaxation. As the old saying goes, "Nothing in excess," pursuing moderation works well. That's the way it is (The Japanese term "Kore de iinoda,").

  Needless to say, there are many differences in one's consciousness before and after retirement. For instance, in my case, I had focused my energy on creating something valuable for the future before retirement, while I have now shifted my focus towards creating and leaving something valuable for future generations, partly as a testament to my existence. These changes in consciousness and attitudes can happen to anyone, and it might be a natural law for species preservation as a human being. Thinking along these lines, as an ordinary retiree, sustained by the support of others, I cannot afford to waste even a single second.

Much like feeling grateful for our health when we fall ill, we often fail to fully appreciate the profound value of experiencing daily peace until it becomes fragile and starts to crumble. As the era of peaceful, mellow times persists, we tend to perceive peace as something freely available, much like the air we unconsciously breathe. However, the reality is that to consistently maintain peace, we must continually renew our awareness of the necessity to pay a significant price upfront, invest wisely, and engage in various effective activities, all while taking practical actions. Foremost among these actions are internal and external human resource development initiatives that foster both physical well-being and a sound mind. These investments hold immense significance, even though the returns may take longer to materialize than we initially anticipate. As the Japanese proverb wisely states, "The nation's 100-year plan lies in education."

  As I age, I occasionally recall the wisdom shared by individuals who are more than five or ten years my senior. I revisit their words or tweets from the past, seeking to grasp the meaning I may not have fully comprehended at the time. In this manner, there exist numerous concepts and insights that remain elusive until we gain the corresponding life experiences or face them directly. The pivotal aspect to consider is the act of retracing the threads of memory connected to the lessons and advice I received in the past. By figuratively stepping into their shoes, we can profoundly engrain these valuable insights into our consciousness.

  There could be three types of jobs: those that motivate with a positive feeling, those with no emotional attachment, and those that demotivate with a negative feeling. When encountering the latter type of job, it might be wise to approach it with a "Tantan" attitude in Japanese, signifying a matter-of-fact approach without emotions, which can help you navigate through the annoying state.

When I used to receive an oral briefing on something unfamiliar or entirely new from someone, I made it a habit to create my own-style mind map instead of simply taking traditional verbal notes. This allowed me to quickly grasp the overall concept. To be honest, it took me several years to develop the skill of creating practical mind maps through hands-on work experience. However, once I acquired this skill, it significantly improved my abilities in explanatory presentations, fact gathering, problem-solving, and strategic project planning and execution. This is because visual representations, such as diagrams, matrices and graphs, provide strong reinforcement for verbal and numerical information.

When using social media, as the saying goes, 'It takes all sorts to make the world go round,' we can indeed discover a diverse array of individuals from every corner of the world and easily engage with those who pique our interest simultaneously. However, meeting and conversing face-to-face with local people of interest during our travels can have a more profound impact than interacting with them through social media. Nonetheless, the number of such in-person encounters is often limited due to constraints such as time, physical distance, and financial resources. On the other hand, social media has the power to transcend these limitations. The Japanese term 'Goen wo taisetsu ni suru,' which originated from the concept of Buddhism, can be literally translated as 'Cherish this wonderful fate of meeting individuals.' It conveys the idea that everything happens for a reason, and nothing occurs without cause. In this sense, it can also be wise to value the relationshi

Prioritizing and focusing on activities that align with our deeply held beliefs and values can be a simple yet crucial tip for leading a fulfilling life without regret. In this context, the criteria for determining what is significant and meaningful may vary based on individual perspectives, positions, values, and beliefs. However, even when we make an effort to put these prioritized activities into practice, there are instances when we may not experience fulfillment but instead feel a sense of self-dissatisfaction. Several factors could contribute to this situation, including a lack of dedication and creativity in our efforts, as well as the incorrect prioritization of tasks. In cases where the latter issue arises, often fueled by procrastination, it becomes necessary for us to summon the courage to reassess our priorities and implement them one by one.

Everyone would be wholeheartedly glad to hear sincere compliments about their possessions or talents, their achievements, or their loved ones, or more, without any hidden motives. This might be because these positive words have the power to fulfill the self-esteem needs that our brain's neocortex unconsciously craves, triggering the release of dopamine and becoming a new driving force to persevere in our efforts. It may seem like a slight exaggeration, but if we could focus on recognizing the positive qualities in individuals during our daily personal interactions and make an effort to complement each other more without expecting anything in return, we could foster a more ideal society.

Over the past several decades, criticism of Japan for lagging behind other advanced countries in various aspects, including the social system and lifestyle, has been popular among Japanese intellectuals. There has been a trend where individuals expressing such critical opinions are portrayed as cool and possessing excellent insights, as promoted by the media. Consequently, a self-deprecating view of Japan has gradually infiltrated society without people realizing it. However, following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the brighter aspects of Japan and its people have been reevaluated and recognized by the general public or the silent majority. This change is due to the attention of foreign media, which commonly highlighted the positive qualities of Japanese people, such as honesty, organization, adherence to rules, cooperation, and resilience. These days, excessive self-deprecating thoughts have begun to shift, albeit slowly, towards the opposite perspective, particularly among

There is a Japanese quote, “Ko wa oya no senaka wo mite sodatsu,” which can be literally translated into English as “Children grow as they look at the back of their parents.” This suggests that parents should lead by example, both in their words and actions, when raising their children at home. In this context, reflecting on my experiences at work from the perspective of my personal growth, I believe I have learned much more from observing my bosses' actions and attitudes than from their verbal advice. Returning to the Japanese quote, from my own interpretation, the reason it uses “the back of their parents” rather than simply “their parents” is to emphasize the importance of actions over words. In this sense, I am now pondering whether I can serve as a good role model to my younger colleagues by setting an example through my own actions.

During my childhood in the 1960s, I frequently enjoyed watching the Japanese animated TV hero series 'Astro Boy,' which was broadcast in over 50 countries. Astro Boy is a humanoid robot of the future, powered by atoms and possessing an electronic brain (Artificial Intelligence) capable of discerning between good and evil. Additionally, he has the ability to fly by rocket propulsion (similar to a drone). Surprisingly, even today, Astro Boy remains an admired benchmark for engineers developing humanoid robots. In this context, there is a Japanese venture company in Tokyo called Tsubame Industries Co., Ltd. that has recently developed the first robot named ‘ARCHAX.’ This robot is designed for use on construction sites and in post-disaster construction efforts. The team behind this innovation has maintained a sense of longing for creating and operating another animated robot hero since their own childhoods. It serves as a wonderful example of a childhood dream coming true through u

The Japanese term 'Kotodama' is typically translated as 'Spiritual powers dwelling in words,' a belief that has persisted among the Japanese people since ancient times. In our contemporary era, however, there are quite a few individuals who view it as nothing more than an old and insignificant superstition, even as they unconsciously strive to avoid using ominous words and numbers. In this way, Kotodama has become deeply ingrained in our values and culture. Due to this influence, it is suggested that Japanese people may not excel at crafting strategic scenarios because they tend to omit worst-case scenarios without much thought, instead trying to convince themselves that such events will never occur. This may be a well-known observation outside of Japan. Additionally, Kotodama often pertains to the subconscious usage of ominous words rather than positive ones.

Mitsuo Aida is a Japanese poet and calligrapher known as the Poet of Zen. Please see the following (Title: Michi (The Paths)), one of my favorite works among his many: “In your long life, there are paths you must traverse no matter how much you wish to avoid them. When this happens, you should walk these paths in silence. Don't complain or whine; just walk without saying anything. Be quiet and don't show tears in your eyes. That's the moment when the roots of your life as a human are deeply set.” When facing difficulties, repeating this poem can be helpful in getting through tough times.

  The other day, I received a message from one of my social media friends saying, “I have just retired, and to be honest, I do sometimes feel a lack of purpose.” Immediately after reading these words, I felt sympathy for his despondent mood because I have been through a period of experiencing a sort of burnout syndrome, even though I eventually found relief from heavy work stress. During that time, I learned from another social media friend that it is very helpful to ask oneself three questions to create a bucket list for post-retirement life. These questions are as follows: 1.     What have you enjoyed doing the most? 2.     What have you been doing that made you shine the brightest? 3.     What things have you left behind so far? Surely, asking these three questions worked effectively and enabled me to discover new reasons for living in the rest of my life.

This year, the world's population has finally exceeded 8 billion, which is double the number from the 1974 level. Among them, over 1.5 billion people use English daily on a practical level. In other words, if we acquire some degree of English proficiency, we are able to communicate with one out of every 5 people around the world. One of the reasons why I have been committed to communicating in English on social media is because I simply want to share, exchange, and learn various thoughts and perspectives on life and current topics with as many people as possible. Thanks to this, learning from people around the world has become one of my important "Ikigai" (reasons for living). Lifelong learning is truly an enjoyment of life.

Individuals whose beloved hobbies evolve into their livelihoods and provide sufficient income are quite rare. When we encounter such individuals nearby, many of us may experience a twinge of envy because they dared to pursue the seemingly impossible or high-risk path. However, let's pause for a moment and contemplate why this envy arises. Perhaps it arises because most of us have, from personal experience, understood the profound satisfaction that comes from losing oneself in an activity, which ultimately enriches our work. If this holds true, then it becomes possible for us to recreate this phenomenon within our current professions. Consider this: individuals can actively propose feasible and appealing new projects aligned with their interests or implement effective Kaizen (continuous improvement) initiatives within their workplaces, all while diligently carrying out their current job responsibilities. If these proposals are met with acceptance and authorization, they may find the

When using social media, like many others, I often come across elderly users who are over 80 years old and still actively post their messages and comments on various topics, ranging from daily lifestyle to psychology, education, and politics. From their posts, I frequently sense their intellectual curiosity, insightful thoughts, profound knowledge, and a strong commitment to seeking the truth. This greatly inspires me. Consequently, they serve as a source of motivation for me to write more straightforward posts, delving into the core of various matters and issues, and they remind me of the importance of living in the present moment.

Looking back on my past work experiences after retirement, like everyone else, I learned various invaluable lessons through my jobs and personal relationships. If I were to choose anything, I would say there were far more tough experiences than easy ones during that time, at least in my memory. However, this might be a matter of course, as toughness and adversity often bring more lessons and fulfillment after going through them than when things are going well. It would be a lie if I said that there was nothing I should have done differently or that I didn't have any regrets. However, when I consider the importance of contentment, these words that might seem like regrets tend to disappear from my mind. A long time ago, I read G. Kingsley Ward's "Letters of a Businessman to His Son" from the perspective of the author's son. Now, I truly understand the author's earnest desire to pass on what he learned through his work to the next generation.

I came to understand the feelings and situations of individuals who had retired from their work for the first time after I found myself in the same position. Even if I used my imagination to place myself in their position before my retirement, I couldn't have comprehended them well. Similarly, at this moment, I can't imaginarily put myself in the position of individuals over 70 years old because I am in my early 60s and lack the experience of being over 70. What I can vaguely imagine at most are the situations and things that might happen to me during my 60s, aside from unpredictable sudden events, as nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. After contemplating my 60s, I have realized it is the best period for doing what you love, utilizing what I have accumulated such as knowledge, skills, experiences, and personal network so far, while still being physically and mentally fit. In this sense, paying careful attention to day-to-day activities is a crucial attitude. Of course, this

The Japanese popular saying, "Ishi no uenimo sannen," can be directly translated into English as "Staying on a stone for three years," which is paraphrased as "Even a cold stone will be able to get warm if a person sits on it for three years." This saying essentially means "Perseverance pays dividends" or "Perseverance wins in the end." It is said that this saying is originated from ancient India. The reference to three years serves as a metaphorical expression indicating a significant duration rather than a short period. Japanese workers frequently employ this saying to comfort or remind themselves or others that it takes time to adjust to a new job. The message is that consistent focus on a single objective will undoubtedly yield positive results. This saying serves as a reminder to myself as well.

  A Japanese actor once shared, "The primary reason why I have been able to continue my career as an actor for nearly 50 years may be because I have consistently responded to my fans' expectations." Upon reflecting on these words, I realized that this actor has portrayed various roles in television, film, and theater, all with the intention of entertaining people while striving to meet their expectations. This commitment has served as a motivation for him to sustain his career as an actor. It became apparent that if he had prioritized his own desires over his audience's expectations, he would not have enjoyed such a long and successful career. This lesson can be applicable to all of us who are navigating the stage of life.

Even though we exert our best efforts to achieve our aspirations, the outcomes sometimes fall short of expectations, particularly for those with lofty ambitions. During such times, when our emotions shift from joy to sorrow, we find ourselves unable to escape stress, much like the anxiety induced by fluctuating stock prices. Psychologically, the essence here corresponds to Lao-tze’s concept of “Taru wo shiru” in Japanese, which can be directly translated as “Knowing contentment” or more loosely interpreted as “Being content with what you presently possess.” If we consistently remind ourselves of this concept when outcomes disappoint, we can maintain a state of tranquility and spare ourselves from being overly distressed by minor setbacks. By doing so, we can naturally foster a sense of gratitude, even when we achieve outcomes that were not as initially envisioned.

Soichiro Honda, a founder of Honda Motor, once said: “My greatest glory is not to have never failed, but to rise every time I fall.” What he meant by this is that failure is not a problem at all, but giving up after failing is the actual issue. We are often afraid of even a single failure due to concerns about what other people might think of it. In moments like these, it might be better to confront ourselves and strive to be truthful with our inner voices. These inner voices can help us transcend futile thoughts, worrying less about others, and cultivate a mindset that is not easily disheartened. By consistently following this approach, we can develop the ability to rise every time we fall.

There are various opportunities for fortuitously encountering inspiring individuals who can gently remind us of our significant shortcomings or open our eyes to the possibility of exploring our untapped potential. Such a golden encounter often encourages us, prompting concrete action after an internal process of self-examination. This, in turn, leads to enriching our lives. Naturally, these opportunities exist everywhere: through face-to-face meetings, reading books, messages on social media, and more. All we need to do is look around, as these opportunities don’t just come to us while we wait. The reason I’m sharing this is because I had such an experience yesterday.

  Similar to how a sense of unity and reactions among audiences enhance the enjoyment of a movie in a theater, we experience a feeling of subtle tension, in a positive sense, that intensifies our concentration when reading in a library. These positive effects on the invisible bond and atmosphere among people sharing the same physical space cannot be disregarded completely, given that we are inherently social beings.

Throughout my entire career, I was fortunate to be engaged in human resources development for overseas countries. I take great pride in having been part of these face-to-face cooperative activities. This is because I had the opportunity to connect with individuals who were trained in Japan. More importantly, I could witness how these individuals made substantial contributions to their workplaces and local communities. In a way, they unintentionally assumed the role of private diplomats, acting as bridges between their societies, Japan, and their own countries. The impact of private diplomacy on the international community can vary widely. However, it remains vulnerable to the significant challenges posed by government-based diplomacy tensions. Nevertheless, persistently exploring the potential of private diplomacy holds immense importance, especially when it eventually yields concrete results over an extended period. Despite my retirement, my personal commitment to private diplomacy re

Sun Tzu, the author of The Art of War, once said, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” In this context, by drawing a parallel between the enemy and the problem, and between battles and face-offs, it could be rephrased as, “If you comprehend the problem and understand yourself, you need not fear the outcome of a hundred face-offs.” Similarly, another quote, “To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting” could be transformed into, “To forcefully solve problems with direct confrontation with the vested interests is not the pinnacle of excellence; true excellence lies in compelling vested interests' resistance to surrender without unnecessary strife in solving problems.” The process of substituting one element with another can frequently grant us new perspectives and insights.

During my morning walk, it often happens spontaneously that a new essay's subject and the contents to be written down pop into my mind. I have no choice but to rely on my short-term memory to remember them. As you might guess, there are times when I forget the subject by the time I arrive back home. However, on those fortunate occasions when I do recall the subject, a rough outline quickly forms in my mind. This may be because the content has become deeply associated with the subject as I construct its structure through effort, and this information is stored in my working memory. The reverse situation, where I recall the content first and then the subject comes up, rarely occurs. When I used to work in an office, I found it very stressful to depend on my unreliable short-term memory. Therefore, I would either immediately begin or complete a task that needed to be done, or I would take notes. Today, I completely forgot what I initially intended to write about, which led me to compos

Integrating necessary tasks into a daily routine to achieve a set goal and consistently executing them is a relatively effortless approach for success. However, our brain is naturally prone to becoming bored with the repetition of monotonous routines. Therefore, it occasionally requires a break from the routine to rejuvenate itself. Introducing such a minor change in our daily lives can amplify the stimulation of our brains, with the sensation of refreshment serving as evidence of this effect.

A Japanese phrase, "Wakai toki no kuro wa katte demo seyo," is literally translated into English as "You should be willing to buy the hardships when you are young." It can be paraphrased as "Your hard work in youth will definitely pay off" or "Heavy work in youth is quiet rest in old age." The underlying message appears to be that if someone is willing to endure challenges during their youth for the sake of others or society, they will not only enhance their own abilities but also receive the rewards of their virtuous actions. In this context, youth may symbolize the vigor and resilience required to overcome difficulties. During my younger years, I frequently encountered this phrase. However, over the past few decades, its usage has become increasingly rare, possibly due to the prevailing societal trend of people believing less in everyone's shared welfare.

As human beings are social beings by nature, we tend to flock together psychologically, sharing commonalities with ease. In other words, when we realize that we have something in common, especially similar experiences in our backgrounds, it becomes easier for us to connect with each other and develop relationships based on these shared experiences. For instance, engaging in small talk about weather conditions at the beginning of a meeting is an example of identifying common ground to facilitate a smoother transition into core business discussions. In this manner, when it comes to expanding connections with unfamiliar groups, a little initial effort to find affinity and approach them by offering a sense of reassurance is generally required.

Whatever you do for the first time, whether it's working, swimming, or playing musical instruments, without acquiring the basic practical knowledge and skills, it is often difficult to unconsciously engage in new activities with joy. Additionally, there are higher and unfamiliar hurdles to overcome in the process of acquiring these skills. While beginner's luck might be experienced occasionally, it's the exception rather than the rule. After surmounting some of these hurdles, the possibility of experiencing joy and fun increases, along with a boost in self-confidence, which becomes a driving force to continue exploring new activities. For retirees, it is suggested to have various hobbies to engage in for a fulfilling daily life. However, it's important to be aware of the initial hurdle theory when starting something new for the first time.

Looking back now, while I used to spend my time studying at schools and working at offices, which occupied most of my daily activities, I often found myself worrying about what people thought, how they evaluated me, or the judgments they passed. As a result, I became accustomed to living in a perpetual state of stress and nervousness, akin to air constantly being stirred by a breeze. Contrastingly, in my retirement, I have been completely liberated from these undesirable pressures. Nevertheless, I experience mixed emotions because I've come to realize that while this freedom is indeed desirable, it also served as a motivating force that drove me to accomplish various tasks. Consequently, upon retirement, it is advisable to shift one's psychological focus toward personal thoughts, evaluations, and judgments in order to lead a truly fulfilling life.  

  Depending on the circumstances and time, many people might fall into the trap of becoming arrogant to varying degrees, unless we possess great integrity. While it is essential to caution ourselves when we recognize arrogance within us, in reality, we often fail to realize it. Hence, it holds significance to periodically remind ourselves that arrogance hinders the opportunity for lifelong learning and reaching a higher level of humanity.