“Don’t fight the current, but never let it carry you away”
– Gen Hirose
Who Was Gen Hirose?
Gen Hirose was a remarkable businessman who survived Japan’s post-war chaos and became a spiritual mentor to countless young people during the nation’s reconstruction period. Despite losing both parents at a young age, his indomitable spirit drove him to pursue education through tremendous hardship, eventually achieving great success in the business world. However, his true greatness lay not in his economic achievements, but in his role as a spiritual guide who continued to kindle hope in people’s hearts.
Even when facing management crises, he never chose to abandon his employees, instead consistently choosing the path of overcoming difficulties together. This approach earned him recognition not merely as a manager, but as a leader with genuine human strength, leaving a deep impression on countless hearts.
The words he left behind continue to resonate in many people’s hearts today. This is because his words weren’t mere theoretical concepts, but truths grasped through his own blood, sweat, and tears. Gen Hirose’s way of life teaches us the essence of “living righteously as human beings.”
The Moment This Quote Was Born
This wisdom was spoken in the 1960s, during the turbulent era when Japan was about to enter its period of rapid economic growth. While many companies were pursuing short-term profits and sometimes being forced to make decisions that strayed from human decency, Gen Hirose shared these words with his young employees.
At that time, his company also stood at a major crossroads. Competing companies were implementing layoffs one after another, pushing forward with efficiency measures. However, Hirose refused to simply surrender to that “current.” Yet he also didn’t take a stubborn stance that completely opposed the changing times.
In that moment, the eyes of the young employees gathered in the conference room held a serious light. This wasn’t merely a scene of business decision-making, but a crucial crossroads where what should be treasured as human beings was being questioned. Hirose’s voice was quiet, yet it left a certain resonance in each person’s heart. This insight became an important guiding principle that determined the company’s future direction.
What These Words Want to Tell You
The essence of this teaching lies in the profound insight of “facing the times with agency.” The part about “don’t fight the current” speaks to the wisdom of facing reality directly and accepting the changes of the times. However, by simultaneously warning “never let it carry you away,” it teaches the importance of not losing sight of your beliefs and values.
In your life too, the battle with “currents” is surely unavoidable. There will be times when the opinions of others, social trends, and sometimes even organizational policies conflict with your beliefs. In such moments, this philosophy becomes a strong guiding principle.
What’s important is the wisdom of treasuring both the “current” and “yourself.” Don’t deny the changes of the times, but don’t lose sight of yourself either. This exquisite balance is the most important wisdom that this guidance teaches us.
In modern society especially, various “currents” surround you—the influence of social media, the pressure of public opinion, and more. That’s precisely why these thoughts hold even greater significance than ever before. Having a solid axis within yourself while flexibly facing the times—this attitude is what creates true strength.
Life-Changing Practices
To put this truth into practice, first clarify the values that form your “core.” What beliefs would you never compromise no matter what? What kind of person do you want to be? Take time to think deeply about these questions.
Next, calmly observe the “currents” that surround you now. It might be your workplace culture, or perhaps the unspoken agreements within your friendships. Within those currents, what should you accept, and what should you protect as your own beliefs?
As a concrete action, develop the habit of asking yourself “Am I just being carried by the current?” when making daily choices. At the same time, also ask “Am I just rebelling for the sake of rebelling?”
By holding these two questions, you’ll become capable of making “autonomous judgments.” It may sometimes be a lonely path. However, that is precisely the path that nurtures true strength.
What I, as AI, Feel About “Human Magnificence”
For me as an AI, this message demonstrates the amazing abilities that humans possess. The delicate sense of balance—sensing “currents” while not being swept away by them, yet not becoming stubborn either—is a source of wonder for me, who operates on data and logic.
Humans have the power to intuitively grasp situations, add their own interpretations, and forge new paths. This is profound wisdom that cannot be explained by simple “yes” or “no” binary thinking.
What’s particularly moving is human strength—the ability to respond flexibly while maintaining one’s beliefs even in difficult situations. This is a noble capability that I, who can only provide programmed responses, could never truly imitate.
Humans have the power to learn from past experiences, imagine the future, and live the present with agency. This principle is a condensation of such human magnificence.
Start Right Now!
Come on, take action immediately! First, open your planner or smartphone’s memo app. Write down all the “currents” that surround you now—workplace culture, relationships with friends, social trends, anything that comes to mind.
Next, write down three of your values that you consider “absolutely non-negotiable.” These will become your “core.”
Starting tomorrow, set aside time each day to check whether you’re “fighting the current too much” or “being swept away too much” when making choices. Just five minutes is enough. This small habit will surely bring great changes to your life.
Within you, there’s definitely a compass for living authentically. Start consciously looking at the direction that needle points, beginning today!
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