Why should we pay tax? The fundamental mindset of a “taker” Part 2

Some people say that paying tax looks ridiculous under a corrupted environment where no justice can be found. Other people say, “The law is harsh, but it is the law.” Mr. Ianmori encouraged the latter attitude to Japanese entrepreneurs in Brazil. They had been struggling their business growth there and asked advice to Mr. Inamori. Why he suggested respecting laws is as follows.

1 Honest people get rewarded over the long term

2 Those who take something from the state for free end up being taken

3 Overcoming difficulty leads you to business success.

2 Those who take something from the state for free end up being taken

Those who are doing business in Brazil, they should be benefiting from the country of Brazil. For example, they are

Using the land of Brazil.

Relying on Brazilians as local staffs.

Targeting Brazilians as customers and exploiting its market.

They use those fundamental resources to develop their business and have made profits for far. They have used the tangible and intangible resources of Brazil. But they don’t want to pay anything for them at all. This is reflected in the attitudes of Japanese business leaders in Brazil. Taking but no giving, this looks unfair.

Then, they have a “takers’ mind set”, they will eventually end up “being taken” from others.

Those who have intentionally and illegally saved tax, despite their endeavors, would face difficulties. For example, they may get involved in state’s frauds, or have to pay a large amount of penalty. Takers should end up being taken. We can learn this from episodes in Brazil.

3 Facing difficulty leads you to business success.

Mr. Inamori said, if I had had less difficulties in my career in my twenties, I could not have succeeded as a businessperson. I have felt that I had been a lucky one to have such obstacles during the Kyocera growth.

At the first company that he joined after the university, Inamori realized that he “found” a field to which he can devote himself. This positive attitude brought Inamori a great career as an entrepreneur. All he had to do is the research in the fine ceramics. Nothing else was given. He simply looked at what had been given to him and focused on making the best use of that environment. He found that as an opportunity, not an unfortune.

To sum up, as long as we are the givers, we would be able to succeed. This is because, 1 ) getting rewarded, 2 ) creating a good circulation, and 3) taking difficulties as opportunities.