A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  The human brain is a fascinating and mysterious organ. One intriguing aspect is the phenomenon of sudden inspiration. These flashes of insight often occur unexpectedly and without warning. Because inspiration can be fleeting, it is essential to act on these ideas immediately or, if immediate action is not possible, to record them in writing. By doing so, we ensure that valuable thoughts are not lost to the impermanence of short-term memory. Another remarkable characteristic of the brain is its preference for experiences that enrich learning and create lasting memories. For instance, people often choose to invest in activities like traveling, which provide opportunities to break away from the monotony of everyday life. Visiting extraordinary places offers a sense of freedom and wonder that lingers in our long-term memory. These memories can be vividly recalled, allowing us to relive the experiences as nostalgic stories, full of the emotions and discoveries of those moments. Additi...

  More than half a century ago, when I was still in elementary school, there was a piece of paper posted in the classroom with the motto: “One good deed a day.” This simple phrase encapsulates a core principle of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of accumulating virtue through daily acts of kindness—a fundamental path for human growth and connection. Looking back on my long life, I regret not consistently living by this philosophy. Its wisdom, however, resonates with me more deeply now than ever. Despite my age, I feel a renewed determination to embrace this practice, to make a conscious effort to perform one good deed each day. It is never too late to walk a path of kindness and purpose.

  Understanding our own consciousness and brain functions can be challenging because the brain and consciousness are intrinsically interconnected. This connection makes it almost impossible to objectively analyze brain functions and their characteristics. To illustrate, when we are too accustomed to viewing an object up close, we fail to consider its overall shape or structure. Similarly, we seldom pause to reflect on how our brain operates unless we consciously step back to observe it from a broader perspective. When we take that figurative step back, we begin to notice patterns and tendencies in how our brain functions. For instance, the brain often accepts the first piece of information it encounters about something unfamiliar as correct. This tendency highlights the brain's natural inclination towards efficiency and expedience, albeit sometimes at the cost of accuracy. Additionally, it is well-documented that the right and left hemispheres of the brain each have distinct functi...

  Retirement marks a significant turning point in life, offering an opportunity for profound transformation in our daily routines and perspectives. In my own experience, retirement brought about a newfound awareness and appreciation for the natural world around me. For instance, I began to notice the flowers blooming outside and became attuned to the subtle changes in nature that had previously escaped my attention. Such sensitivity to my surroundings was unimaginable during my working years. In Japan, there is a saying that suggests one’s position and environment shape a person, and I find this to be particularly true of retirement. The shift from a structured work life to the unstructured freedom of retirement reshaped my perspective in unexpected ways. It allowed me to reflect on the wisdom shared by older generations—wisdom I had often dismissed when I was younger. Looking back, I realize that these lessons, though once overlooked, hold profound truths that resonate more deeply...

  The number of people we meet in our lifetime is incredibly small compared to the world’s population of over 8 billion. With this perspective, if we view the individuals we encounter as inevitable rather than coincidental and assign meaning to these connections, we can cherish them more deeply. Such an approach allows us to learn from our relationships and enrich our lives in profound ways. History shows that many successful individuals have seized great opportunities through these limited encounters. However, finding life-changing connections, such as mentors, rarely happens by chance. It often requires effort and intention to seek them out. In today’s interconnected world, meeting people no longer depends solely on physical proximity. Social media has made it possible to connect across oceans and borders, opening doors to diverse and meaningful relationships. Regardless of how these connections are made, it is vital to value and nurture them.

  Life is full of depth, and some truths and lessons reveal themselves only in the later stages of life, such as in one's 60s, 70s, or beyond. Opportunities for personal growth and learning do not end with retirement; instead, they flourish through lifelong learning as one delves deeper into areas of interest and explores new fields. Beyond personal growth, certain societal issues, such as peace—often taken for granted—require sustained, long-term investment. Education stands out as one of the most critical tools for achieving this. A more proactive approach to lifelong education is essential for stabilizing the social infrastructure and navigating challenges of the future.

  Life is a journey of challenges and growth, and many young people today find themselves in tough positions, much like the struggles we have faced in the past. These shared experiences hold immense value, as they can guide the next generation by offering lessons learned through perseverance and resilience. Anyone who has lived a long life, whether as a good or poor role model, possesses the potential to become a storyteller, sharing insights that inspire and empower others. Young people often look for guidance and wisdom from those who have navigated similar paths. They are eager to hear about the struggles, mistakes, and triumphs that shaped the lives of those who came before them. However, it is crucial to approach this role of storytelling with humility and awareness. Relying too heavily on past knowledge and experiences without considering the nuances of current situations can lead to assumptions that may not hold true in today’s context. It is important to recognize that ever...

  A skill brings us various benefits. For instance, if we excel in self-expression, we can experience fulfillment by effectively conveying our thoughts and communicating with others, even capturing the subtlest nuances. Similarly, a highly refined skill benefits us in both professional and personal pursuits. The paths to improving any skill may vary. Just as children learn language primarily by observing and imitating their parents, we often begin by emulating the skills of our predecessors or role models. Over time, we refine these skills and adapt them to develop our unique approach. Once our proficiency reaches an exceptional level, we become qualified to guide others who seek to improve in similar ways. In this process, skills are passed down from person to person, continuously evolving and becoming more refined. Learning to find solutions during moments of uncertainty, as today’s young people often do, is a skill born from experience and one in high demand. As we grow, we all ...

  If we were to apply the law of conservation of mechanical energy to human abilities, it might suggest that everyone has an equal amount of potential energy. However, the extent to which this potential is converted into action—what we might call kinetic energy—depends largely on an individual’s attitude and consistent effort. These differences in attitude and commitment are what lead to the unique variations we see among people. In the journey of realizing one’s potential, a deeper awareness of personal limitations often arises. This process of self-expression is intertwined with self-discovery, as striving to reach our potential not only reveals our strengths but also highlights areas where we can grow. While it may be more challenging to realize one’s potential in a difficult environment compared to a familiar one, these obstacles often become opportunities for refinement. The skills we develop to navigate these challenges sharpen our ability to harness and express our potential...

  The importance of learning is often taken for granted, and a simple explanation can feel vague and unconvincing. However, to truly appreciate its significance within the context of our limited time in life, we must consider three essential aspects: the mindset before learning, the prioritization of learning, and the application of what we learn. A learning mindset is foundational. For instance, when someone points out weaknesses we were previously unaware of, it can be challenging to accept due to feelings of vulnerability or a threat to our self-esteem. Yet, such moments often present invaluable opportunities for growth. Cultivating an open mind allows us to embrace constructive criticism, transforming discomfort into personal development. Prioritizing what to learn is equally crucial. In today's information-saturated society, it is important to focus not merely on accumulating knowledge but on enhancing cognitive abilities and developing sound judgment based on reliable informa...

  The color of the landscape in Japan during the harsh winter becomes monotonous, creating a lifeless atmosphere. Beautiful flowers grow increasingly rare, but the sight of camellias blooming in vivid abundance is a soothing balm for the soul. Once again, I was reminded of the remarkable power that flowers possess. They have the ability to bring comfort and joy, even in the bleakest of seasons. In that moment, I felt a profound connection to nature, realizing once more that humans, too, are an integral part of this wondrous world.