Reflections on Katsuya Nomura's Insight into Inherent Human Weakness

 

Katsuya Nomura (1935-2020), who was raised in a family marked by extreme poverty and carried a sense of inferiority, earned acclaim as one of the top players and managers in Japanese baseball. He left behind a legacy of many renowned quotes, one of which reads: “It's not that there are 'good people' and 'bad people,' but rather, there are only 'weak people.'” This quote conveys the idea that inherent weakness exists within all individuals, and whether they can transcend this "weakness" ultimately hinges on their own will and daily actions. It serves as an illustration of how anyone can mold themselves into the person they aspire to be. Recognizing that even those who appear to lead smooth lives and possess physical and mental strength are, in reality, susceptible to weakness like ourselves, we should concentrate on overcoming our own shortcomings rather than harboring envy. This realization makes the process of self-improvement more attainable.

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