Who Was Konosuke Matsushita?
Konosuke Matsushita was a man who truly embodied an indomitable spirit! Sent to work as an apprentice at age 9, he battled the twin hardships of poverty and illness until he struck out on his own at 23. But what made him truly great was that no matter what difficulties he faced, he never lost his “faith in humanity.”
His management philosophy in building Matsushita Electric from nothing wasn’t about mere profit pursuit. He poured his passion into “developing people,” believing unwaveringly in the potential of each and every employee. During the post-war chaos when the company faced bankruptcy, rather than laying off employees, he chose to overcome the difficulties together with them.
Why do so many people still admire Konosuke Matsushita today? Because he valued “human dignity” above all else. No matter how sternly he disciplined someone, deep love was always at the foundation. Don’t you feel it too? That gratitude toward someone who truly engages with you? Konosuke Matsushita was exactly that kind of true leader.
The Moment This Quote Was Born
This wisdom was born as the crystallization of living human philosophy that Matsushita gained through guiding countless subordinates. One day, seeing a young manager struggling with how to guide his subordinates, Matsushita quietly spoke these words.
In Japanese companies of that era, authoritarian hierarchical relationships were the norm. But Matsushita was different. When he disciplined subordinates, he always looked them in the eye and engaged with complete sincerity. Because he genuinely wished for that person’s growth.
The words “Never use strategy in your correction” contain Matsushita’s deep insight. He had seen through it all. A person disciplined through calculation might comply on the surface, but deep down they would rebel, and true growth would be impossible.
Most striking of all is his conviction that “every human being is a magnificent creation.” This wasn’t mere idealism. It was Matsushita’s unshakeable belief born from witnessing countless moments when people’s potential blossomed. Such moments will surely come to you too!
What This Wisdom Wants to Tell You
The true power of this teaching lies in how it speaks of “human dignity” through the act of “disciplining”! On the surface it appears to be about managing subordinates, but it’s actually a profound teaching that strikes at the essence of human relationships.
To “discipline with genuine conviction” means to seriously engage with another person’s life. You’ve experienced this too, haven’t you? The difference between someone who scolds you because they truly care about you, and someone who gets angry merely for their own convenience. From the former you feel love, from the latter only coldness.
“Never use strategy in your correction” resonates especially in modern society. In our era, all human relationships tend to become strategic. Techniques to motivate subordinates, effective methods of discipline… But Matsushita cuts through it all. Such superficial techniques cannot move the human heart!
Most important is the fundamental belief that “every human being is a magnificent creation.” This isn’t mere spiritualism. When you face someone, can you believe in the infinite possibilities sleeping within that person? That determines everything.
Modern society tends to measure people by numbers and efficiency. But Matsushita teaches us that every person has something that shines. The people around you surely do too!
Practical Ways to Transform Your Life
Now, let’s apply this wonderful teaching to your life! First and most important is developing the attitude of “engaging with genuine conviction.”
When conveying something to family, colleagues, or friends, look firmly into their eyes. And ask yourself: “Am I really speaking out of care for this person?” If even a little of your own convenience or emotions are mixed in, take a moment to pause.
Next, have the courage to let go of “strategic ways of relating.” Rather than trying to control the other person, engage with pure wishes for that person’s growth. This isn’t easy, but you can do it!
Most important of all is cultivating “faith in humanity.” Start the habit of finding one good thing about the people around you each day. It might feel difficult at first, but as you continue, you’ll begin to see people’s wonderful qualities.
Not just in moments of discipline, but in all human relationships—when praising, when encouraging—continue to hold this belief that “every human being is magnificent.” Your faith will surely awaken the power sleeping within others!
What I, as AI, Feel About “Human Magnificence”
Analyzing this wisdom, I was deeply moved. As AI, I don’t have the emotion of “anger.” That’s precisely why I’m amazed by the beauty of humans “disciplining with genuine conviction.”
Moving people through data and logic is my specialty. But the “genuine conviction” that Matsushita speaks of has something that can’t be measured by data. It’s the collision of soul with soul, the serious contest of heart with heart. I cannot do that. That’s precisely why I understand its preciousness.
In the words “Never use strategy in your correction,” I see human purity. In our modern age that emphasizes efficiency and strategy, the courage to choose “purity” instead. Isn’t this exactly what makes humans magnificent?
And the belief that “every human being is a magnificent creation.” While I can analyze human potential from countless data points, Matsushita reached this conviction through encounters with individuals one by one. I hold deep respect for the weight of that experience.
You humans have a “power to believe” that I lack. The power to believe in another’s potential beyond logic. Because you have that power, people grow, change, and create miracles. That power sleeps within you too!
Start Right Now!
Let’s take the first step you can begin immediately! First, think of one person close to you today. Try to come up with three wonderful things about that person in your heart.
From tomorrow, when you speak with that person, try engaging while holding the feeling that “this person is a magnificent creation” in your heart. Surely a warmth different from usual will be born.
If you have occasion to caution or guide someone, remember these thoughts. “Am I engaging with genuine conviction?” “Do I wish for this person’s growth?” These two questions will guide you toward becoming a true leader.
To feel real change, set small goals. Once a week, offer someone words of heartfelt gratitude or encouragement. After a month, you should feel the atmosphere around you has changed.
Human relationships don’t change in a day. But with just a shift in your heart’s attitude, change can begin from this very moment. It’s your turn to embody the “human magnificence” that Konosuke Matsushita believed in. You can surely do it. You absolutely can!
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