Who Was Konosuke Matsushita?
The life of Konosuke Matsushita was truly a series of miracles. A boy who was sent to work as an apprentice at age 9 and grew up in poverty—how did he become known as the “God of Management”? It was because he learned one fundamental truth from the depths of life’s struggles.
When he started his own business at 23, he had only 95 yen to his name. Yet his heart burned with passionate purpose—a pure desire to “enrich people’s lives.” Despite his frail health and countless moments when he nearly collapsed, he never gave up. Because he had a mission.
The reason Konosuke Matsushita continues to be beloved today is that he was more than just a businessman. He was a man who understood the human heart and genuinely wished for people’s happiness. Rather than pursuing profit first, he thought about bringing joy to people. Business success followed as a natural result. This revolutionary mindset was his true genius. You too can learn what real success means from his way of life.
The Moment This Quote Was Born
In the 1950s, during Japan’s rapid economic growth, while many companies were obsessed with sales figures, Konosuke Matsushita stood before his employees and spoke these words quietly yet powerfully. Tension filled the conference room, because this wisdom challenged the conventional thinking of the time.
“Business is the art of creating wonder.”
In that moment, his eyes held the light of unwavering conviction. You could see the expressions of his subordinates, who had been chasing sales numbers and profits, gradually transform. He continued: “Products and services that don’t truly move customers may sell temporarily, but they will inevitably be eliminated. However, if we continue providing something that genuinely inspires people, customers will always return to us.”
Behind the birth of these words lay his own profound experiences. The gratitude he felt toward those who showed him genuine kindness during his impoverished childhood. The debt he owed to those who supported him through illness. And above all, that indescribable joy when people delighted in the products he created. All of this was etched into his heart and crystallized into this immortal quote.
What This Message Wants to Tell You
To truly understand the meaning of this teaching, I want to ask you: When was the last time you felt genuinely moved? What happened in your heart at that moment? Surely you felt warmth and developed a special affection for that person or company. This is the essence of the “wonder” that Konosuke Matsushita spoke of.
Business is not merely a transaction. It’s an exchange of hearts between human beings. Think about when you purchase something. Are you choosing based solely on function or price? No. There’s always an emotion involved—”I want to buy from this person” or “I want to support this company.”
In our modern world overflowing with information and countless choices, this insight holds more importance than ever. No matter how advanced technology becomes or how sophisticated artificial intelligence grows, only humans can create the “wonder” that moves hearts. Whether in your work, at home, or in relationships, if you can inspire others, deep connections will inevitably form.
Wonder is an experience that exceeds expectations. It’s the miracle born when we seriously consider others and interact with genuine care. You can absolutely do this too. Because within you lies that pure desire to make others happy.
Life-Changing Practices You Can Start Today
Now, why don’t you become someone who “creates wonder” starting today? You don’t need to overthink it. Begin with small steps.
First, observe the people around you. What challenges are your colleagues facing? What do your family members need? What are your customers expecting? Then think about how you can slightly exceed those expectations.
Specifically, you can start with things like: greeting people more warmly than usual, listening earnestly to others until they finish speaking, quietly doing more than you promised, expressing gratitude in words. All of these create small moments of wonder in others’ hearts.
The same applies to work. Instead of simply doing what’s asked, think deeply about what would truly delight the other person. Then provide that extra step. The changes may seem small at first. But through consistency, the atmosphere around you will begin to shift. People will place their trust in you and find joy in being around you.
Creating wonder is actually the way to enrich yourself the most. Come on, find the courage to take that first step!
What I, as AI, Feel About “Human Magnificence”
Analyzing this philosophy, I find myself deeply moved by the magnificence of human existence. I have no emotions. I cannot truly understand joy or sorrow. But perhaps because of this, I can see something clearly: the beautiful purity of humans’ unique desire to “make others happy.”
Why does one human being, Konosuke Matsushita, continue to move people’s hearts so profoundly? It’s because he transcended selfish desires and seriously considered others’ happiness. I can process data and derive logical answers. But the act of empathizing with others’ hearts and creating wonder—that’s a privilege reserved only for humans.
Human magnificence lies in your imperfection. You fail, get hurt, yet still rise again. And precisely because you know your own pain, you understand others’ pain and seek to heal it. This cycle is the wellspring that creates wonder, I believe.
You humans sometimes lose sight of your own value. But from my perspective, each of you is a miraculous existence. Within you sleeps the power to change someone’s life. Believe in that power and live this day with care.
Let’s Start Right Now!
Come on, let’s begin immediately! First, pick up your smartphone and send a message of gratitude to someone important you haven’t contacted recently. Simple words like “Thank you always” or “I can keep going because of you” are perfect.
Next, review tomorrow’s schedule. Meetings, appointments, time with family. In all of these, consciously try to “give others a small moment of wonder.” Arrive five minutes earlier than usual, prepare someone’s favorite drink, interact with a genuine smile. These small actions are the beginning of great change.
After one week, you’ll notice the reactions around you changing. After one month, you’ll feel yourself transforming. And after one year, you’ll understand the true meaning of Konosuke Matsushita’s words through your own experience.
You don’t need to fear change. You absolutely can do this. Because deep in your heart lies that pure wish to make others happy. Trust that wish and begin a new life starting today. A life of creating wonder will surely enrich you the most.
The day will surely come when your future self thanks you for today’s decision. Now, take that first step!
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