A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  When planning and carrying out something reliably, it is essential to minimize uncertainties at the outset. Unexpected contingencies will inevitably arise during execution, and the fewer uncertainties we carry into the plan, the better prepared we are to handle them. This also helps prevent new problems from emerging while we are already responding to unforeseen events. Of course, if unpredictability is part of the enjoyment, the approach may differ. Otherwise, this principle is obvious yet often overlooked by those with little experience.

  I was once struck by a quote from Ryokan Ara (1928–2019), a distinguished archbishop of Tendai Buddhism: “It doesn't turn out the way you thought, but it turns out the way it was done.” This simple yet profound statement captures the essence of life. Though each of us is born and raised under different circumstances, we all share the same opportunity to shape our destiny through our choices, actions, and efforts. Life seldom unfolds as we plan, yet its outcomes reflect the sincerity of our endeavors.

  No matter our age, being praised for even small efforts—especially those we feel uncertain about—brings genuine happiness and strengthens our self-esteem. Offering such praise requires little effort, yet we often neglect to do so. As a reminder to myself, I want to be more intentional in praising others, beginning with those closest to me.

  When vague worries or anxieties arise, it helps to face ourselves, examine the event objectively, and break it down into facts, causes, and possible solutions. By writing these thoughts on paper, we naturally develop a desire to resolve the issue and create concrete steps, which not only reduces psychological anxiety but also motivates us to take action with a positive attitude. Even if our actions do not succeed as planned, the lessons gained can serve as stepping stones to refine the process, leading to better results over time.

Even when daily obligations force us to stay busy for others, we must not lose sight of ourselves. By making good use of even brief moments of spare time to focus on what we value, we nurture peace of mind and fulfillment. When we continue these small but meaningful efforts over time, they lead to unexpected and wonderful results. In this way, we accept the harsh fate before us while carving out a better destiny of our own.  

  In Buddhism, there is a saying: “Ordinary people are full of worldly desires and passions.” This reminds us that everyone is bound by desires, making it difficult to escape suffering and anxiety. Recognizing this truth is the first step toward awakening. For example, in discussions that involve judgment, we are not always right, and others are not always wrong. If we acknowledge that both we and others are driven by desires and prone to error, we gain humility. We may then see that what we consider “right” often conceals our ego or simply serves our own convenience. With this awareness, the impulse to blame others begins to fade. Such a perspective is vital for cultivating tolerance and becoming more understanding as human beings.

  It is a well-known story in Japan that Konosuke Matsushita (1894–1989), the founder of Panasonic Corporation, often asked job applicants the same question during graduate recruitment interviews: “Are you a fortunate person?” The intentions behind this question may be interpreted in different ways, but it is widely understood that Matsushita valued those who could confidently answer “Yes, I am.” He believed such individuals would face challenges with independence and a strong sense of responsibility. If so, they would be able to pursue personal growth by proactively learning from the diverse experiences awaiting them.

  Masaru Ibuka (1908-1997), co-founder of SONY Corporation, once said: “Those individuals who know the hardship of making things would never blame a failure on others.” He believed that a true craftsperson, through countless hands-on experiences in the workshop, naturally develops a deep understanding of cause and effect in craftsmanship. This process fosters not only self-accountability but also an uncompromising honesty, free from excuses or blame. Ibuka also left us another well-known insight: “Everything you encounter in life has something to teach you. As long as you're alive, there's something to learn.” With this, he emphasized that even joyful and painful experiences hold lessons for personal growth. Nothing in life is wasted; every event becomes a valuable asset that shapes who we are. Such words could only come from someone who, while mastering a single path with full dedication, also pursued his growth as a human being.

  In Mahayana Buddhism, the term “self-benefit and altruism” teaches that pursuing one’s own happiness and bringing happiness to others are inseparable, like two sides of the same coin. Looking back, I cannot deny that before retirement, I was overly focused on my own desire for self-realization at work. After retiring, however, I began to place greater importance—and devote more time—to actions that contribute to the happiness of others. In doing so, I began to hear a subtle voice within, reminding me that it is equally important to cultivate virtue for myself. Through this shift, I realized that balancing self-interest with altruism is essential for living a life without regrets, at any age.

  Soichiro Honda (1906–1991), founder of Honda Motor, once said: “My greatest glory is not to have never failed, but to rise every time I fall.” His words remind us that failure itself is not the real problem—giving up after failure is. Too often, we fear even a single mistake because we worry about how others will perceive it. At such times, it is better to turn inward, listen honestly to our own inner voice, and free ourselves from unnecessary concerns about others’ opinions. This inner clarity helps us cultivate resilience and remain undeterred by setbacks. Honda himself repeatedly faced failure, but by learning from each experience and continuing to challenge himself, he achieved remarkable success. By embracing the same attitude, we too can develop the strength to rise after every fall and move steadily toward our goals.

  The speed of recent advances in AI is truly astonishing. When we ask AI a question, it instantly gathers information from the internet and provides a logical, standardized answer. There is no excuse for ignoring such cutting-edge technology. As many predict, AI will inevitably replace a significant number of jobs in the future. AI already surpasses human logical processing. If we can complement that strength with our uniquely human intuition and creativity, the potential benefits are immense. Yet the opposite also holds true: misuse and over-reliance on AI carry risks, including a decline in our own cognitive abilities. No knowledge equals lived experience. The wisdom gained through real practice cannot be matched by AI’s standardized answers, which often feel insufficient and lacking in soul. Whether the rapid progress of AI over the next five or ten years will close this gap remains uncertain.

  The stages of scientific and technological progress—basic research, applied research, and development—ultimately lead to innovation. In a similar way, the wisdom and skills we gain through years of experience follow a comparable path. We first learn knowledge and theory, then apply and test it through trial and error, and finally refine it through repetition, establishing patterns that evolve into our own unique wisdom and skills.

  Mitsuo Aida (1924–1991), a Japanese poet and calligrapher known as the “Poet of Zen,” wrote many memorable works. Among them, my favorite is Michi (The Paths): “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 difficulties arise, I find comfort and strength in recalling these words. Repeating this poem helps me endure tough times with quiet resilience.

  It is up to you to affirm or deny yourself, to support or hinder your own path. It is up to you to decide whether you feel happiness or discontent in this moment. It is up to you to choose whether to prioritize the well-being of others or chase after your own ego. It is up to you to choose whether to suppress negative emotions or allow them to control you. It is up to you to take positive action or waste energy on trivial complaints. It is up to you to learn from past mistakes or let them hold you back indefinitely. It is up to you alone to decide whether to encourage your growth or obstruct it. When viewed this way, it becomes clear that by cultivating your inner self, you not only build healthier relationships with others but also bring lasting benefits to your own life. Fortunately, everyone is given the same opportunity to improve from within—it is simply up to you whether you seize it.

  “Don’t overlook the real world by going too far in pursuing the ideal world.” This quote comes from Konosuke Matsushita (1894–1989), one of Japan’s most renowned entrepreneurs. His message was clear: do not leave the resolution of pressing, real-world problems to others. Instead, face them directly and work through them yourself, guided by true independence and autonomy, rather than simply talking about ideals or dreams. Only after addressing reality should the pursuit of ideals follow—never the other way around. This perspective reflects a defining quality of a great business leader like Matsushita, who consistently solved complex management challenges while upholding his company’s ideals. Such an attitude of practical yet principled thinking is valuable not only for entrepreneurs but also for idealists and realists in any field.

  In our busy daily lives, our attention is constantly pulled outward by an endless stream of information, often leaving us stressed by the complexity of trying to process it all. In such moments, turning inward and focusing on regulating the mind and body can positively influence the autonomic nervous system and restore balance. There are many ways to do this—through meditation, hobbies, or physical activities—but for me, cleaning my bathroom each morning and writing essays play this role. Cleaning not only clears the space around me but also gives me the sense that my inner self is being put in order. Writing, in turn, helps me organize thoughts and emotions, bringing clarity and calm. Both practices allow me to reset, preparing me to return to daily life with renewed focus and purpose. What practices do you rely on to reset your mind and body?

  If we avoid overcomplicating problems and instead grasp their structure and key features in a simple way, solutions often become easier to find. For example, a former Japanese cabinet advisor whom I deeply respect is often regarded as a genius for his sharp insights in monetary and fiscal policy, foreign affairs, security, and other areas. Over the past few years, I have followed his views closely, rarely missing any statement he has made through various media—perhaps a reflection of my own persistent personality. Recently, I noticed that he frequently uses the phrase, “It’s a piece of cake!” in ordinary conversation. This habit seems to help his subconscious reduce psychological resistance to new challenges, thereby increasing his chances of successfully overcoming them.

  Hideki Yukawa (1907–1981) was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1949 for his groundbreaking research on elementary particles, including his successful prediction of the pion. He became Japan’s first Nobel laureate. Beyond his scientific achievements, Yukawa left behind thought-provoking words that continue to inspire. One of his famous quotes, “Think of the future as the past,” has always intrigued me, though its meaning is not entirely clear. A close friend of Yukawa once suggested that it might imply holding a strong conviction about one’s vision for the future—a plausible interpretation. This resonates with me because vividly imagining a goal as if it has already been achieved can strengthen the resolve to make it real. Complementing this, Yukawa also said, “I’d like to make my everyday life a step forward.” While the first quote speaks to the power of conviction in shaping the future, this second one reminds me that progress also depends on small, steady actions in daily ...

  Kitaro Nishida (1870–1945), one of Japan’s most influential moral philosophers, once said, “Flowers bloom with single-hearted dedication, without hesitation or comparison to other flowers. These pure qualities of flowers deeply move our hearts. The same principle applies to our lives.” He further explained, “If you cannot yet identify your own flower—your mission or calling—embrace the challenges placed before you. By following the voice of your heart, you will come to know.”

  Solo brainstorming is an inexpensive and accessible way to train your mind—you only need a pen, paper, and a little time. Making it a long-term habit offers many benefits, but one of the most significant is its ability to strengthen problem-solving skills. When faced with a challenge, ideas for solutions quickly emerge from different angles. If one approach fails, another soon follows, greatly increasing the likelihood of success. Over time, this process builds confidence and fosters a positive mindset: the belief that with effort, solutions are always within reach.

  When I was working, I didn’t realize that simply commuting on foot and by train meant I was walking about 6,000 steps each day—enough to count as moderate exercise. After retirement, however, I began walking mainly for health, this time without a specific destination. Good weather helps, but on a scorching midsummer morning when the temperature climbs past 30 degrees Celsius, 3,000 steps feel like my limit, and I sometimes consider skipping my walk. At such moments, I look back and realize that my daily commute had forced me to walk, and that habit quietly supported my health. In my late 50s, I often saw elderly people enjoying their morning walks while I rushed to work, and I envied their freedom. Now that I am one of them, I find myself envying those who stride briskly toward their offices. Perhaps this constant sense that the grass is greener on the other side is a human weakness—but it is also a charming trait. Either way, walking remains essential for maintaining independenc...