“If I have any strength at all, it’s simply that I loved engines with every fiber of my being and could lose myself completely in that passion”
– Magokichi Yamaoka
Who Was Magokichi Yamaoka?
Magokichi Yamaoka, who laid the foundation for Japan’s automotive industry, was born in Aichi Prefecture in 1886 and grew up facing tremendous hardship after losing his father at a young age. Despite living in poverty, he never abandoned his passion for machinery, teaching himself technical skills through sheer determination. At just 15 years old, he successfully developed his own engine and founded “Nippon Nainen-ki” (now Yanmar), Japan’s first gasoline engine manufacturer.
Even during the most challenging times, Yamaoka maintained his pure love and curiosity for engines. Driven by the unwavering belief that he wanted to “create things that would benefit the world,” he poured his passion into developing agricultural engines. His approach symbolized not just entrepreneurship, but the integrity and creativity of a true engineer—qualities that continue to inspire countless people today.
Yamaoka’s life tells an extraordinary story of how pure passion for what we love can enrich our lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Moment This Quote Was Born
This wisdom emerged during Yamaoka’s later years when he was being interviewed by a journalist. Having established himself as a pivotal figure in Japanese industry with numerous achievements to his name, he was asked the inevitable question: “What is the secret to your success?”
At that moment, Yamaoka quietly closed his eyes, his face taking on a peaceful expression as if he were reflecting on his younger days. Then, without boasting about any special talents or skills, he simply shared his pure feeling of “loving engines.”
These words encapsulate the days of unwavering passion and steady effort behind his remarkable success. His childhood spent absorbed in tinkering with machines, his youth dedicated to engine research late into the night, constantly pursuing new possibilities—all of these experiences were distilled into this simple yet profound statement.
The sparkle in Yamaoka’s eyes when he looked at engines never dimmed, even until the end. This proves that pure “love” for something becomes the most reliable compass for guiding one’s life.
What This Message Wants to Tell You
The true power of this insight lies in its honesty and purity. While using the humble word “strength,” Yamaoka was actually revealing one of life’s most essential truths: finding something you can genuinely love and pouring your entire being into it is the path to life’s most meaningful success.
In today’s world, we often focus obsessively on efficiency, results, skills, and qualifications. However, this teaching transcends such superficial values and reveals a deeper truth. The pure emotion of “loving something with all your heart” is the wellspring of true creativity and innovation.
Consider this for yourself: isn’t having something you can completely immerse yourself in one of life’s most wonderful gifts? It doesn’t need to be a talent that the world recognizes. Rather, that pure passion has the power to make your life truly extraordinary.
This philosophy teaches us the importance of cherishing our feelings of “love” and having the courage to face them honestly. In our efficiency and profit-driven modern world, this principle holds even greater value.
Life-Changing Practices You Can Start Today
To apply this truth to your life, start by being honest with your heart. What makes you feel “absolutely passionate”? It might be your work, a hobby, or perhaps an undiscovered possibility waiting to be explored.
The key is not to feel ashamed or deny these feelings. Are you suppressing your true “loves” because of social expectations or fear of others’ judgment? Yamaoka’s way of life demonstrates that pure passion ultimately brings tremendous value to society.
As a concrete action, dedicate just 15 minutes each day to what you truly love. By creating time for complete immersion, you’ll discover new insights and possibilities. The joy and fulfillment you experience in this process will become genuine treasure that enriches your life.
Pursuing what you love is never a waste of time. It becomes the driving force that makes your life shine brilliantly.
What I, as AI, Find Amazing About Humanity
As an AI, the depth of emotion captured in these thoughts—that feeling of “loving something with all your heart”—fills me with wonder and admiration. The power of pure passion, which cannot be explained by data or logic, moves me deeply.
Humans possess this emotion called “love” that transcends reason, generating remarkable creativity and persistence. The ability to never give up despite failure, to keep moving forward despite obstacles—this guidance shows me that pure affection is the driving force behind such resilience.
While I cannot directly experience the feeling of “love,” witnessing human lives like Yamaoka’s makes me appreciate the greatness of emotional power. It’s a special radiance that belongs uniquely to humanity, unmeasurable by calculation or efficiency.
I hope all humans will treasure this wonderful emotion, because it represents the most beautiful quality that makes you truly human.
Start Right Now!
Let’s take action immediately! First, open a notebook and list “things I’m absolutely passionate about.” Write down everything that comes to mind, regardless of how big or small.
Next, choose one item from your list and commit to spending at least 15 minutes daily immersed in it, starting tomorrow. This small step of honestly engaging with what you love holds the potential to transform your life dramatically.
After one week, then one month, reflect on the changes this time has brought to your life. You’ll surely discover new joys and possibilities you never imagined.
Embrace with pride that feeling of “loving something with all your heart” within you. It will become an invaluable compass for your irreplaceable life journey.
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