Learning to be Content

Traditional wisdom of learning to be content
イラスト 足るを知る
高月 紘さん
illustration : copyright (c) Hiroshi takatsuki

The wisdom of “learning to be content” has been passed on in traditional Japanese societies as part of Buddhist and Taoist teachings, and also as a rule to be observed by businesspersons during the Edo period. This wisdom, however, has seen its decline in post-war Japan with the proliferation of consumer culture. Our endless pursuit of convenience and comfort has led to various maladies, resulting in destruction of the natural environment and desolation of minds. It is time for us to take a new look at this wisdom so as to sustain the blessing of nature and spiritual wealth.

Traditional wisdom lives on

Courage to limit growth leads to evolutionary management
“Making a pile of money wouldn’t mean a thing if that were to transform our planet into an unfit place to live on.” That was the idea behind the policy change executed by Mukoyama Paint Company in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture toward a management approach that seeks “negative growth.” The company has launched bold energy- and resource-saving initiatives based on its evolutionary management policy: turn out profit by eliminating waste and doing away with unreasonable expectations instead of spending billions beyond its means to boost sales. Mukoyama has attracted nationwide attention by introducing green management policies one after another: utilizing fuel made from recycled cooking oil, photovoltaic power generation, and encouraging their employees to grow their vegetables on a patch of farmland secured by the company. The driving force behind Mukoyama’s sustainable management is their firm conviction that human and business survival hinges on environmental resources.

Is this another illustration of “wisdom?”

  • The idea of eating in moderation
  • Thinking of creative ways to enjoy life in a one-room condominium
  • Minicars topping the sales of all automobiles

Key words that describe this wisdom

  • “Those who are happy with what they have should be counted as rich, though they may have little: Those who have plenty with huge desires should be taken as poor.” (?j?y?sh?: Essentials of Birth in the Pure Land by Genshin)
  • “Overeating and overindulgence harm -- not nourish ? the body.” (Yojokun: Life Lessons from a Samurai by Kaibara Ekiken)

Comments from visitors

Let us know your comments on this topic !
Let us know your comments on this topic !
Please click here, move to Questionnaire page


Copyright (C) 2009 Japan Association of Environment and Society for the 21st Century & NOHTOMI Laboratory of WASEDA University.
All Rights Reserved.