Fukuzawa Yukichi’s An Encouragement of Learning The Importance of Learning
The progression from hardware to software, from software to AI, from AI to AGI (by 2030), and eventually to ASI (by 2035) is advancing at a staggering pace in the new economy society. Sadly, Japan remains rooted in an old economy paradigm, holding onto outdated values, and its Galapagos syndrome seems unavoidable.
Compounding this issue, the decline of the old economy in Japan has fostered a society where exploiting or betraying others—essentially the antithesis of trust—has become increasingly acceptable. Principles dictate that what you spit toward the sky will inevitably fall back onto your face.
Equality, freedom, and diversity are important for humanity—yet in Japan, even these words are often misunderstood and misconstrued.
Fukuzawa Yukichi’s An Encouragement of Learning
The Importance of Learning
Human equality exists as a "right endowed by heaven," but its realization requires education. Those who do not learn cannot achieve equality. By acquiring knowledge through education, it becomes possible to transcend differences in wealth and social status, attaining foundational freedom—freedom and equality that are not akin to slavery. Furthermore, Fukuzawa asserts that differences in people's value stem from the value they bring to society through learning.
The Spirit of Independence
It is essential to lead a life independent of others and supported by one's own abilities. Education serves as a means to independence, fostering individuals who can contribute to society.
Practical Learning
Learning is not merely about accumulating knowledge; it must be practical and beneficial to society and everyday life. Altruistic actions are essential.
Adopting Western Civilization
For Japan to advance, it is necessary to actively learn from and adopt the advanced knowledge and technologies of the West. (In today's terms, "the West" can be replaced with "cutting-edge new economies.")
The Need for Enlightenment
Through education, individuals should engage in self-improvement and contribute to the development of the nation. It is also crucial to convey the importance of education to those who remain unaware of its value, requiring altruistic efforts.
Fukuzawa’s An Encouragement of Learning highlights the role of education in fostering individual independence and national development. It stresses the significance of learning and implies that those who do not educate themselves or use their knowledge for the betterment of society (altruism) cannot truly achieve equality.
Japan in the World Happiness Report 2024
Japan ranked 51st, dropping four places from the previous year, a low position compared to other developed nations: the UK ranked 20th, the US 23rd, Germany 24th, France 27th, and Italy 41st.
Happiness Indicators
The ranking evaluates satisfaction on an 11-point scale, where 10 represents the "best possible life" and 0 the "worst possible life." Happiness is influenced by factors like a nation's politics, culture, education, and GDP. In Japan, a significant factor is the lack of "connectedness."
Japanese Loneliness
According to OECD data, 15.3% of Japanese respondents reported having "no" or "very little" interaction with friends or acquaintances outside their family—the highest rate among member countries. Japan’s issues of "loneliness" and "social isolation" are widely recognized.
Loneliness and Health Risks
The 1965 Alameda study found that socially isolated individuals faced a 2.3 times higher mortality risk for men and 2.8 times higher for women. Among heart attack patients, those visited by two or more people had a 26% mortality rate, while those with no visitors faced a 70% rate.
The Importance of Workplace Support
Research from Tel Aviv University showed that individuals lacking social support at work had a 2.4 times higher mortality rate than those who received support. The presence or absence of support from colleagues significantly impacts longevity.
Features of Blue Zones
Regions with a high concentration of centenarians, such as Okinawa, Sardinia, Loma Linda, the Nicoya Peninsula, and Ikaria, emphasize "connectedness." Plant-based diets and habitual physical activity are also common in these areas.
Okinawa’s "Mōai" Culture
The "Mōai" system, a 200-year-old tradition of mutual assistance in Okinawa, fosters not only financial support but also regular gatherings to deepen connections. These gatherings provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
The Importance of Meeting in Person
The key difference between Okinawa's Mōai and similar systems in other parts of Japan, like Tanomoshikō, lies in face-to-face interactions for fostering camaraderie. The Mōai culture remains robust, serving as a pillar of mutual support.
The Significance of Connection
Feeling connected within families, workplaces, and communities impacts both happiness and lifespan. People derive joy and a sense of purpose when they feel needed by others.
How trustworthy are you as a human being? Reflect on this question yourself! In this age of AI, human value ultimately rests on "trustworthiness as a human." Unfortunately, the number of Japanese people who possess this kind of trustworthiness has dwindled to an alarming extent. Sigh.
★ With tears and fleeting years, all fades away… Decluttering becomes inevitable, and the greed of the masses prevails.