にほんブログ村
Hello! I’m Yasui, the president of a one-person company specializing in the inspection of high-pressure gas equipment.
Happy New Year!
The new year has begun, and I look forward to your continued support this year.
"Heaven does not create one man above or below another."
You may have heard this phrase before. It was reportedly shared by Yukichi Fukuzawa when he established an English school in his hometown of Nakatsu, offering it as a message to his students.
At first glance, this phrase sounds like a declaration of equality, as if to say:
"Humans are born equal. There is no superiority or inferiority."
However, there is more to it, as it continues with an explanation:
Essentially, it means:
"...We are born equal, but due to lack of study, laziness, or foolishness, disparities arise—some remain poor while others gain wealth; some are base while others achieve nobility; some hold high status while others are of low rank. Why is this? The difference between the wise and the ignorant stems from whether they choose to learn or not."
This is what Fukuzawa was saying.
It’s been 150 years since the publication of Gakumon no Susume (An Encouragement of Learning). However, the truths of the world remain unchanged.
When we are born, we all arrive in this world equally naked.
(If someone claims they were born clothed, please let me know!)
Though lifespans differ, time passes equally for everyone.
~ “Ready, set, we all start from the same line.” ~
These lyrics from Suga Shikao’s song resonate deeply with this idea.
Over time, however, differences emerge.
Looking back, can you say you're no different than last year?
Are you repeating the same things again this year?
Have you achieved the goals you set for yourself?
When you place your hand on your heart and ask yourself these questions...
It might sting a little, right? (I bet there are others like me who feel this way!)
But the position you're in now is the result of all the choices you've made in life so far. There's no choice but to accept that.
Even if I worked myself to the bone starting today, it’s unlikely I could become a better baseball player than Shohei Ohtani or stand center stage in AKB48.
In that case, wouldn’t it be better to focus on what kind of "happiness" is attainable given your position and abilities?
Family happiness? Personal happiness? Everyone has their own vision.
Comparing yourself to others and focusing on the gaps won’t close them. Instead, it’s about what actions you take moving forward.
Life is a long race. To cross the finish line with a smile, all you need to do is start running toward that goal as soon as you realize it—and smile at the end.
In life, the winners are those who give it their all, those who can say they’re satisfied with how they lived.
See you next time!
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