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知識を高め、品性を磨き、自己の人格形成につとめること。 デジタル大辞泉（小学館）
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Hello, this is Yasui, the president of a company specializing in inspections of high-pressure gas facilities.
Across the country, coming-of-age ceremonies are taking place. Congratulations to all the new adults. Whether you're still a student or already in the workforce, I’m sure the reunion with old friends at such an event must be a lot of fun.
For me, it’s been about 20 years since that time. Lately, I’ve found myself wondering how all the friends I shared my elementary, junior high, and high school days with are doing. Well, I’m sure they’re all doing just fine. Each of us is undoubtedly living life to the fullest in our respective places.
A term that appears repeatedly in Shibusawa Eiichi’s book The Analects and the Abacus is “self-discipline.”
The meaning of “self-discipline” is described in the Digital Daijisen (Shogakukan) as:
“To enhance one’s knowledge, refine one’s character, and strive to shape one’s own personality.”
The Analects and the Abacus discusses the relationship between morality and wealth (referred to as fuki in the book). Gaining wealth is not inherently wrong, but the absence of morality in doing so is problematic.
However, due to misinterpretations of The Analects, gaining wealth itself has often been wrongly regarded as something immoral.
Excelling solely in morality without action is akin to having a picture-perfect cake—it’s useless. That, too, is undesirable. On the other hand, it’s difficult to imagine someone who is both moral and poor.
A moral person, by definition, possesses strong character. Such a person would likely be studious, intelligent, and capable of insightful judgment. As a member of society, they would undoubtedly be highly competent.
Shibusawa lamented the rise of individuals after the Meiji era who sought wealth solely for personal gain. This is likely why he felt compelled to document the connection between The Analects and economics, which had been his guiding principles.
This lesson remains relevant today. People who care only about their own profit are still abundant.
It’s easy to overlook the idea of enriching not just oneself but society and even the nation. Mapping out such a path is no simple feat.
Why not, instead, think about whether your actions bring benefit to others as well?
This doesn’t mean accepting work at a loss. Rather, it means charging a fair price without greed and not allowing your heart to be clouded by darkness.
By deciding firmly, “I won’t do this,” it becomes easier to maintain one’s integrity. Of course, studying and acquiring knowledge is essential. It’s quite challenging to arrive at such realizations alone.
That’s why we need to read books, listen to others, and continuously strive to improve ourselves.
As we refine our character, I believe we’ll gradually find a way to harmonize wealth with morality.
One cannot become a virtuous and noble person overnight. It’s about steadily accumulating small efforts daily so that today’s version of oneself is better than yesterday’s, and tomorrow’s is even more capable of responding to society’s needs.
Rather than seeking outwardly, focus inwardly. Observe the world carefully.
And never forget that we are all living as part of society.
Today’s Words of Wisdom
“Devote yourself to study and strive for self-discipline.”
Until next time!
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