This time, Inamori* spoke about the above motto in Kyocera philosophy.
What Inamori said is quoted with “”.
“ If it’s a road that someone has walked before, you can find signs and indications. But if you walk the road that no one has walked before, you can’t expect to have such instructions on the road. You must analyze the situation, think for yourself, and make your own decisions.
Engineers sometimes reach a dead end in R&D process. If you ask for advice from an expert, you may be able to get some advice, however, following instruction means walking down a road that someone has already walked. If you don’t like that approach, you must think about what to do by yourself without asking for advice. At that time, I had the Kyocera Philosophy as my compass. You may think, ‘The Kyocera Philosophy has nothing to do with R&D’, however, the Kyocera Philosophy is a way of thinking that works as a compass that applies to everything. “
Our company is currently considering a new service – advice for family businesses (small and medium-sized enterprises) using Sanmeigaku (Asian horoscope) and other methods. Based on our pioneering spirit, we would like to consider this service from the following perspectives.
1. Is it “good thing to do” as a human being?
2. Will it be true “altruism”?
3. Is it in line with divine will and the new era?
Let me explain them one by one.
1. Is it “good thing to do” as a human being?
“ As I am a researcher, I have to develop something new, but there is surely nothing left on a road where many people walk. It would be more interesting to encounter snakes and frogs on the muddy rice field path and make new discoveries. I may get my feet covered in mud, but I want to walk this path.
I often say that the origin of the Kyocera philosophy is to pursue what is right as a human being. In other words, even in the case of technological development, we must consider what is good for humans, or what is true altruism. “
→ As a researcher, “goodness” is to conduct research for the world and for people. To do this, researchers devote themselves to the research unexplored and useful field. Sanmeigaku is a very old academic discipline, but I think the reason it is not used in modern practical society is the selfishness and egoism of us, modern humans. We totally forget the humble attitude towards the nature which has made us alive. I think Sanmeigaku is one of the ways to realize this mind, a mind that is in harmony with the will of the universe. I would like to work with this noble purpose.
2. Will it be true “altruism”?
“ For example, if you choose a research topic because it is ‘easy’, you are making a decision based on selfishness. However, if you think that ‘this research will benefit society and everyone’, you will boldly take on the challenge no matter how difficult the topic is.
Under this context, I have made decisions in business management and R&D, based on the criteria of good or evil, or selfish or altruistic. I believe that so far my decision has always been right. “
→The reason why Sanmeigaku is used in family business analysis is to make people humble and have a gratitude for those around them. Mr. Inamori also quotes the phrase “Only humble people can receive good fortune.”
One’s success and fulfillment are given from one’s ancestors, surroundings, and environment. Just by deeply reflecting on oneself and feeling grateful, one’s life and business will improve. I would like to help many families in this way while learning together with them.
3. Is it in line with divine will and the new era?
“ In addition, new companies are now allowed to enter the telecommunications industry. This is a major turning point that happens once in a century. “
→ I feel there is a movement going on in the world right now to destroy the unit known as the “family.” People exert immeasurable energy for their families. For instance, people think of their children, their spouses, and their families, then humans can exert great energy.
Therefore, it is convenient for those in power to destroy the family, which is the foundation of human energy. Under this context, I think it is very important to strengthen family ties as of today. I would like to create an opportunity for people to think about family and unity through the counseling using Sanmeigaku.
So, to be a pioneer, I think it is important to work hard in a field where your motives are good, you are truly altruistic, and you can receive the help of heaven and the era. We will keep this in mind as we work hard on our new business.
* Mr. Kazuo Inamori, the founder of Kyocera, KDDI (one of the top tele communication companies in Japan) and the top of revitalization project of JAL. As a well-known Japanese entrepreneur, he has been sharing his experiences and management know-how with managements of small to middle companies in Japan.
Further queries or doubts, please email to ytomizuka@abrilsjp.com
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