2025年7月17日木曜日

What are the two things you would like to convey to young people who are about to set out into the world? "The world we live in now is not everything." "There are many different ways of thinking in the world." Please explain these two things in detail and in a meaningful way.

 


To all the young people about to embark on your journey into the world, your future is brimming with endless possibilities. As you set out on this incredible adventure, I offer you two important ideas to hold close to your heart:

"The world you live in now is not everything."


The world you see right now is shaped by your experiences, your knowledge, and the environment you grew up in. It might feel like a small cup of water. Looking only into that cup, you might come to believe that this is all there is to the world.

However, beyond that cup, a vast ocean stretches out before you.

  • Discovering New Values: What you currently consider right or normal might be completely different in another place. For example, common manners in Japan could be considered rude elsewhere. By learning about these differences, your own values will broaden, and you'll develop the ability to view things from multiple perspectives.

  • Diverse Ways of Life: Going to work for a company after graduation, getting married and starting a family—these "common paths" aren't the only options. The world is full of countless ways to live: people working remotely as freelancers, dedicating their lives to volunteer work, or pursuing artistic passions. Looking beyond your current environment might help you discover the life you truly desire.

  • Uncovering Your Potential: Your hidden talents or interests, which you might not have noticed or been able to express in your current environment, could flourish in a new place. For instance, someone who thought they were bad at sports might discover a new sport abroad and become passionate about it, or someone who thought they were introverted might discover leadership qualities in a different culture. By stepping into a new environment, you can uncover aspects of yourself you never knew and possibilities you never imagined.

What's "normal" where you are now is by no means universal. Take a step forward, interact with different cultures and people, and your world will expand dramatically, enriching your life choices.

"There are many different ways of thinking in the world."


Every person has different experiences, different knowledge, and different emotions. Because of this, people will perceive and think about the same event in various ways.

  • Towards Understanding, Not Conflict: When someone's opinion differs from yours, it's easy to react negatively or feel that they are wrong. However, by adopting the perspective that "there are many different ways of thinking," you can avoid immediately dismissing their ideas. Instead, you can endeavor to understand their background and perspective, asking "Why do they think that way?" This attitude fosters smoother relationships and leads to more constructive discussions.

  • Cultivating Flexible Thinking: Clinging rigidly to your own ideas can hinder you from finding new solutions or creative approaches. Encountering different ways of thinking allows you to break free from your own thought patterns and develop flexible ideas. In a business setting, for example, combining diverse opinions often leads to innovative services.

  • Empathy and Adaptability: As you venture into the world, you'll encounter more people with different cultures and customs. Making an effort to understand their ways of thinking and behaving will cultivate empathy and enhance your ability to adapt to different cultures. These are crucial skills for thriving in a global society.

Embracing diverse ideas doesn't mean abandoning your own opinions. On the contrary, it means holding firm to your beliefs while respecting others' ideas and learning from them. This will deepen your own thinking and enhance your personal appeal.


Young people, please don't be afraid to leap into new worlds and meet diverse people. Listen to the many different ideas they hold. Each of these experiences will surely enrich your life and help you grow into a unique individual. We're rooting for you!

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