Dialogue with the Self

 

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 through our own trial and error.

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