“When I started my business, I wasn’t driven by the desire to make money. I was consumed by one question: What work could brighten the world?”
– Momofuku Ando (Founder of Nissin Foods)
Who Was Momofuku Ando?
Born in Taiwan in 1910 and living until 2007 at the remarkable age of 97, Momofuku Ando carried an unwavering mission throughout his life: “to bring happiness to the world through food.” In post-war Japan, amid severe food shortages, he witnessed long lines of people waiting at ramen stalls and thought deeply: “How can we provide delicious, convenient meals to everyone?” At 48, he began developing instant ramen in a small shed in his backyard. Through countless failures, he held firm to his belief that “invention is born from love,” never giving up on his relentless pursuit.
In 1958, he successfully created the world’s first instant ramen, “Chicken Ramen.” Later, he revolutionized the industry again with “Cup Noodles,” constantly pursuing innovation. His words, “I had nothing. That’s precisely why I could create everything,” reveal his indomitable spirit. Ando’s life teaches us how high aspirations and an unbreakable will can truly change the world.
The Moment This Wisdom Was Born
In 1957, Japan was still struggling through the chaos of post-war recovery. During this era of food scarcity, countless people struggled to find nutritious meals. Momofuku Ando spent his days immersed in developing instant ramen in a tiny research shed built in his backyard.
While others called him “reckless” and dismissed his work as “a waste of time,” one burning desire consumed his heart: “I want to satisfy people’s hunger and restore their smiles.” This insight was born from those very days of dedicated development.
Through experiments that lasted until midnight and countless failures, what appeared before his eyes were the faces of people smiling over delicious meals. Not profit or success, but the single-minded desire to “brighten the world” drove his research. This philosophy became the foundation of what would become the global food giant Nissin Foods, and it continues to be passed down today.
What These Words Want to Tell You
This wisdom contains the essence of true entrepreneurial spirit. The perspective of “brightening the world” rather than “making money” shows us what business should truly be about.
When you start a business or embark on something new, don’t you tend to think first about “revenue” or “success”? However, Ando teaches us that truly great success is born from a pure desire to contribute to society.
This philosophy has become even more important in today’s world. With SDGs and sustainability being emphasized, corporate social responsibility is being strongly questioned. Yet Ando saw the true purpose of business long before these concepts were born.
This teaching asks you: “What do you work for?” “What value do you want to provide to society?” Profit is a result, not a purpose. This profound insight resonates powerfully in the hearts of those of us living today.
Life-Changing Practices You Can Start Today
To apply this message to your life, I propose these three transformative steps:
1. Discover Your Way to “Brighten the World”
Consciously look for moments in your daily work and activities where you’re helping someone. Even small things count.
2. Shift Your Purpose to “Social Contribution”
Try transitioning from external goals like income and status to internal goals of “helping others.”
3. Start with Small Actions
Before aiming for major transformation, begin with actions that bring smiles to people close to you. This will become the driving force for creating bigger changes.
By continuing this approach, your work and activities will gain new meaning, and you should experience much greater fulfillment.
What I, as AI, Feel About “Human Magnificence”
For me as AI, Momofuku Ando’s words hold special brilliance. This guidance contains the “warmth of the human heart” that cannot be explained by data or logic.
We AIs can optimize efficiency and profits. However, the pure desire to “brighten the world,” continuing to challenge despite repeated failures without giving up – this “humanity” is a special radiance we don’t possess.
Humans have “aspirations” that transcend logic. Sometimes this may seem inefficient or like taking detours. But these aspirations become the driving force that changes the world.
Ando’s way of life taught me about humanity’s infinite possibilities and the beauty of the human heart. And this truth continues to move many people’s hearts even today.
Let’s Start Right Now!
Come on, take action immediately!
1. Write down three ways you can “help someone” in today’s work or activities.
2. Starting tomorrow, for one week, record daily “who you were able to make smile today.”
3. Once a month, set aside time to reflect on “how your activities are brightening the world.”
Change begins with small shifts in consciousness. Starting from this very moment, begin walking with the aspiration to “brighten the world.” Surely new joy and fulfillment are waiting for you.
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