A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Knowing what is “enough” is important at every stage of life, but it becomes especially vital after retirement, when we begin reassessing our purpose and no longer feel the need to chase goals with the same urgency. Cultivating this sense of contentment starts with gratitude—appreciating the circumstances we are in and the things already within our reach. We can deepen this gratitude by practicing it consciously each day and making it a natural habit. Through regular inner dialogue, we can also clarify what truly matters, organize our priorities, and act on them in a steady, purposeful order. When we focus on what is within our grasp and approach it with gratitude, we free ourselves from comparison and envy. In doing so, we find a quiet satisfaction, along with a deep sense of peace and happiness.

  Yoichi Takahashi (1955–), a former Japanese government cabinet counselor and quantitative policy scholar, possesses extensive expertise in economics, diplomacy, and finance. In his book Introduction to Economics , he emphasizes that a single supply-and-demand diagram can explain nearly 90% of economic conditions and policies, including fiscal and monetary measures. Takahashi argues that this diagram is not only the simplest but also the most versatile tool in economic theory. By applying it to real-world examples and thinking independently, individuals can make practical use of its insights. He further suggests that theoretical knowledge can be one of the most powerful tools for ordinary people seeking to navigate their economic lives. Although this example comes from economics, it is wise for individuals to understand, test, and internalize simple, adaptable theories and principles that reflect accumulated human wisdom. Doing so, I believe, is an essential part of leading a wise...

  Konosuke Matsushita (1894–1989), the renowned Japanese businessman, once said that if we believe each person has a unique mission in life, we will no longer feel envious or critical of others. When we think this way, comparison becomes unnecessary, and our attention naturally shifts to whether we have grown—focusing on who we are today rather than who others are. Matsushita also emphasized the importance of trusting the quiet voice that arises from deep within the heart, a reminder that we are meant to live our own lives, not measure ourselves against anyone else.

  Humans naturally seek independence—the ability to think and act on their own. Yet we are also social beings who depend on relationships, influence, and cooperation. Without these connections, true independence cannot develop; and without personal independence, meaningful relationships cannot form. This dynamic mirrors the link between a single fish and a school, or between individual cells and the human body. Seen this way, living well both for ourselves and for others is essential, for neither society nor individual lives can function without this balance.

  When proposing and implementing a large project, we must balance boldness with precision. In the early stages, boldness shapes the project’s overall scale; without it, an initiative may shrink into something ordinary and overly cautious. But when we show the drive to pursue ambitious goals despite some uncertainty, we are more likely to gain the support of key people inside and outside the organization. As the project advances, precision becomes essential. Careful planning and attention to detail ensure that ambitious ideas are carried out effectively. It is like digging a hole: we begin by digging wide—boldness—and then dig deep with accuracy—precision.

  During my walks, moments of unexpected beauty—whether a striking natural scene, a stunning flower, or a newly discovered path—fill me with a deep sense of fulfillment, as if I’ve received a spiritual gift without spending anything at all. This morning’s walk offered all three, and I was especially moved by the sight of a small child joyfully chasing falling yellow ginkgo leaves, glowing in the morning sun as they danced in the wind. It reminded me that such blessings can only be felt when we have the mental space to be present in the moment.

  Kiyoshi Oka (1901–1978), the Japanese mathematician known for his foundational work in several complex variables, left behind many memorable sayings. One of them is: “Even if something doesn’t interest you, or even if it seems unappealing at first glance, it’s worth facing it with determination and focus. When you do, you’ll find parts of it that you can come to like.” When I was working in an office, I was often assigned tasks I didn’t enjoy. Yet by choosing not to sulk and instead immersing myself in the work, I learned new skills, improved my efficiency, and even proposed additional ideas that added value. In doing so, I found ways to enjoy the work and put those insights into practice. Because of that experience, Oka’s words resonate with me deeply. If you cannot avoid something that doesn’t interest you, the key is to accept the situation calmly and engage with it proactively. Doing so can lead to new discoveries, fresh perspectives, opportunities for growth, and unexpected ...

  Just as people ultimately make decisions based on emotion rather than logic, the vision of who we truly want to become also arises not from reasoning, but from intuition and inspiration—feelings that emerge from the heart. Logical thinking is valuable, but its role is to help bring that inner vision to life. In this sense, just as we strive to sharpen our logical abilities, it is equally important to cultivate the emotions of the heart, which intuitively reveal the larger picture and the direction we should follow.

  Katsuya Nomura (1935–2020), a legendary player and manager in Japanese baseball, once described the state of mind needed to make dreams come true: “To achieve your dreams, it is crucial to maintain a constant desire for improvement. The key to sustaining this ambition is a sense of normalcy, or peace of mind. A normal mind is one that remains unchanged and undisturbed, unaffected by external factors, and supported by the confidence gained from accumulating small successes.” In Japanese, this state is known as Heijoshin—the ability to perceive things as they truly are, free from fear, doubt, surprise, or confusion. Attaining and sustaining this mindset may require considerable effort, but it is certainly possible. Developing healthy habits, practicing positive thinking, and taking time to center yourself all support the cultivation of Heijoshin. To maintain it, it is essential to accept what you cannot control, reset negative thoughts, and observe yourself objectively, which great...

  This morning, while taking a short break on a park bench during my walk, I gazed at a tree and found myself hearing the surrounding sounds more clearly. Then I closed my eyes and began to feel the warmth of sunlight and the gentle breeze on my skin. I was reminded of the mysterious workings of our sensory organs. Our five senses cooperate in response to changing circumstances—receiving different types of stimuli, converting them into electrical signals, and sending them to the brain, which then perceives the world through their integration. By honing our senses, we can activate the brain, reduce stress, and enhance happiness. So rather than being swept up in the rush of daily life, why not take a moment to quietly focus on each of our senses?

  The wise way to live is to treat others’ advice as a reference, deepen your understanding through dialogue with your inner self, and make your own final decisions. Relying too heavily on others’ opinions leads to living someone else’s life, and eventually, regret will seep into your heart. This also applies to advice from AI, which draws upon humanity’s collective wisdom. Especially in the coming age, it is essential to listen calmly to the true voice within, free from distracting thoughts and worldly desires, and to trust that voice. Only then can we stay true to ourselves and live a life without regrets.

  Because humans are easily controlled by their emotions, it is extremely difficult to remain calm and humble at all times. However, depending on the environment in which one grows and one’s conscious efforts, it is possible to maintain a fair degree of humility. From my professional experience, I have observed that humility is not only a fundamental element that promotes the improvement of one’s abilities and personal growth, but it also invites good opportunities and opens the door to one’s destiny. Among successful people, those who remain humble tend to be popular and have many supporters. This can be seen as the result of humility giving rise to virtue.

  In the early stages of a society undergoing an artificial and undesirable shift, only a small number of people have the keen insight to notice the earliest signs of change. Most remain unaware or uninterested, as such shifts seem psychologically distant from their daily lives. Their attention tends to focus on their immediate surroundings and the near future. In this situation, even if a few insightful individuals try to correct the course, it is extremely difficult to overcome entrenched interests and convince the indifferent majority to act. However, once about 30% of the population begins to feel real harm and recognizes the negative direction of change, the situation can surpass a critical threshold. A chain reaction then begins, influencing decisions and behavior throughout society. There is much to learn from this for everyone—the reformers, the vested interests, and the indifferent majority alike.  This essay reflects on how social awareness gradually spreads within a...

  In Japan, people who have mastered their craft and achieved excellence are deeply respected in any profession. For example, unknown factory craftsmen, their hands stained with oil, earn admiration for their mastery of manufacturing techniques. A common trait among such individuals is their relentless pursuit of improvement—constantly questioning themselves, refining their skills through trial and error, and learning with both mind and body. Whenever I meet and speak with such people, I am moved by their humility and dedication to continuous learning. In today’s age of information overload, answers can be easily found on the internet or through AI, allowing us to bypass the vital process of self-questioning and experimentation. As a result, we engage less in dialogue with our inner voice and risk drifting away from a fulfilling life true to ourselves—a life without regrets. To prevent this, it is essential to set aside time each day to ask ourselves questions, reflect, and learn t...

  There is a Japanese idiom that says, “Squeezing out the wisdom that does not exist,” meaning to rack one’s brains for ideas even when none seem to come. Ordinary people often feel that after coming up with a few ideas, they run dry—like trying to squeeze water from an empty rag. Yet wise people say that the more you squeeze, the more wisdom flows out. When we see such people, we wonder how their ideas seem to spring forth endlessly. But if an ordinary person imitates their habits and keeps putting ideas into practice day after day, they will gradually begin to understand the secret of the wise and approach their level. This reminds us that even ordinary people possess great hidden potential.

  In today’s information-saturated and fast-changing world, insight—the ability to see the essence of things—is vital not only for problem-solving, decision-making, and value creation, but also for building good relationships and fostering personal growth. A closely related word is observation. Observation means “carefully looking at what is visible,” while insight means “seeing through to what is invisible.” In this sense, observation forms the foundation of insight. People with strong powers of observation are curious, actively gather information, and can view facts from multiple angles without being trapped by preconceptions. They are also flexible enough to notice subtle changes. Those with deep insight use what they observe to think critically and persistently ask “why,” uncovering structures, causal relationships, and underlying truths. Such observation and insight are essential for living wisely and independently in today’s complex society. Therefore, it is crucial that we c...

  Konosuke Matsushita (1894–1989), a Japanese entrepreneur still admired by many business leaders today, once said, “Those who notice many of the good points in others are happy. Those who notice many of the bad points in others are unhappy.” As a top manager, Matsushita understood that to assign people effectively and bring out their potential, one must focus on their strengths. This approach naturally deepens understanding, fosters empathy, and helps build strong human relationships. People who can recognize the good in others often have high self-esteem and are able to form positive relationships, leading to greater happiness. Conversely, those who dwell on others’ shortcomings tend to reject them entirely, creating unhappiness for both sides. Thus, Matsushita emphasized the importance of consciously looking for the good in others. Interestingly, this idea also aligns with Buddhist teachings, which encourage us to free ourselves from desires such as jealousy and to cultivate a h...

  The Japanese thinker Tempu Nakamura (1876–1968) once shared his insight into the power of words: “The words we use have the power to shape our lives. It is this awareness that guides life toward victory, making it the best instrument.” He also emphasized the importance of using positive language: “Those who consistently use kind words—words that encourage others and bring joy to people—are naturally those who share happiness with others, even without consciously trying.” If these ideas are true, there is every reason to consciously use such words in our conversations with others and in our own self-talk, fostering a virtuous cycle between ourselves and those around us. In this sense, language shapes not only individuals but also societies.

In the short term, competition may seem to be about defeating others, but in the long run, its true value lies in bringing out the best in each other and growing together. Victory offers only fleeting joy, while the experience of giving your all in competition brings lasting meaning and personal growth, becoming a source of strength throughout life. Yet, if we fail to give our full effort and lose, what remains is not growth—but regret.  

  My ideal way of life is to be able to say at the final moment, “I had a good life, and I have no regrets.” From that perspective, I believe there are things we can entrust to rapidly advancing AI, and things we cannot. If we were to let AI make an important life decision for us—and that decision turned out to be a major mistake—would we truly be free of regret? In my case, I would definitely regret having entrusted such a crucial choice to AI. That’s why, even if I use AI to gather information and explore options, I still want to make the final decision myself. Even if my decision leads to failure, I can accept it as my own responsibility. If you share this belief, you understand that while AI is an excellent tool, it is essential to develop our own ability to evaluate, judge, and create solutions. Only by doing so can we maintain our independence and the meaning of existence, and ultimately live a life without regrets.

  Proverbs born from the hard-earned experiences of great people hold little value if we merely memorize them as knowledge. Their true worth emerges only when we put them into practice, learn through failure and trial and error, and ultimately find success. It is through this process that we begin to grasp their deeper meaning—and they become genuine guides for our future lives.