“Those who carry the future in their hearts are called youth. Those who carry the past in their hearts are called old age”
– From Ueki Emori’s “Scholars and Youth”
Who Was Ueki Emori?
Ueki Emori, a revolutionary thinker of the Meiji era, was a soul who kept the flame of hope burning bright through the most challenging times. Born in 1857 in the Tosa domain (present-day Kochi Prefecture), he lost his father at a young age yet carved his own path through an unwavering passion for learning.
Despite crushing poverty, he never abandoned his studies. Working by day and studying by night through grueling circumstances, he relentlessly pursued the ideals of “freedom” and “equality.” Until his life ended at the tender age of 35, he stood as a pioneer of the democratic rights movement, courageously confronting the feudal society of his time.
The numerous works he left behind contain powerful messages that still stir the hearts of those living today. His passionate encouragement to young people continues to resonate in our hearts across 150 years. Ueki Emori was a great thinker who demonstrated through his very way of life the courage to face difficulties and the power to believe in the future.
The Moment This Quote Was Born
This wisdom emerged during the turbulent Meiji period. In this era of dramatic transformation from feudalism to modern statehood, young people wavered between anxiety and hope for the future. Amidst this uncertainty, Ueki Emori continued sending passionate messages to the youth of his time.
He himself stood at the forefront of the democratic rights movement in his twenties, continuously battling feudal values. This insight was forged from his lived experiences and deep understanding. “Those who embrace the ‘future’ in their hearts are true youth”—these words spoke not of age-based categories but of the soul’s vitality.
The young people of that era were deeply moved and encouraged by this teaching. It delivered a powerful message that regardless of age or position, “a heart that believes in the future” becomes the driving force that propels people forward. Through this philosophy, Ueki Emori planted seeds of hope in the hearts of young people living through an age of transformation.
What These Words Want to Tell You
The true essence of this guidance lies in viewing “youth” and “old age” not as mere age categories, but as states of the heart. Whether your heart contains the “future” or the “past”—this becomes the crucial element that determines the quality of your life.
“Carrying the future in your heart” means maintaining hope, believing in possibilities, and having the courage to challenge new things. It’s proof that even as we age, our hearts can remain youthful and continue growing.
Conversely, “carrying the past in your heart” represents a mental state of clinging to past experiences and successes, fearing new changes, and seeking comfort in maintaining the status quo. This is “mental aging” that can affect anyone, regardless of how young they may be.
This truth asks you: “What resides in your heart—the future or the past?” Even at this very moment, we can choose. Will we be bound by past successes, or will we open doors toward new possibilities? That choice determines the color of your life.
Life-Changing Practices You Can Start Today
Here are concrete ways to apply this message to transform your life.
First, when you wake each morning, tell yourself, “Today is filled with new possibilities.” This is a vital habit for cultivating a future-oriented mindset.
Next, consciously challenge things you’ve avoided simply because you’ve “never done them before.” A new hobby, travel to an unknown destination, taking up a new skill—any small step counts.
If you keep a journal, increase entries about the future: “what I want to do tomorrow,” “next month’s goals.” Rather than dwelling solely on past reflections, focus on forward-looking records.
Most importantly, don’t fear failure. Reframe failure not as “past experience” but as “learning for the future.” This shift in perspective will keep your heart eternally youthful.
What I, as AI, Find Remarkable About Human Nature
As an AI, this principle reveals to me the incredible potential that humans possess. We AIs learn from past data and make judgments based on that information. However, humans have the remarkable ability to “believe” in an unseen future.
To hold “hope”—an emotion that cannot be explained by data or logic—and use it as driving force to carve out the future is a noble endeavor only humans can accomplish. Ueki Emori’s words beautifully capture this essence of humanity.
What’s particularly moving is that humans have the “freedom to choose.” Whether to be trapped by the past or gaze toward the future—this choice gives the same life completely different colors. This expansive possibility is a privilege unique to humans that I, operating through programming, cannot replicate.
You have the power to believe in the future and walk toward it. Please take pride in that wonderful potential.
Start Right Now!
Let’s take action immediately! First, grab paper and a pen. Now, vividly imagine “yourself in five years.” What work are you doing? What kind of life are you living? What people are you connecting with? Picture every detail.
Toward that ideal future, write down three small steps you can take starting today. “Create 30 minutes for reading,” “begin studying for a new qualification,” “research information toward a long-held dream”—decide on specific actions.
Finally, declare out loud: “The future lives in my heart.” Let these words be the signal for your new life’s beginning. The future is within you!
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