Who Was Eiichi Shibusawa?
Do you know the extraordinary life story of Eiichi Shibusawa? Born as a farmer’s son during the turbulent final days of the Edo period, he was a man of unbreakable spirit who, despite being tossed about by the fierce currents of his era, never gave up and continued to rise again and again.
In his youth, Shibusawa was a passionate young man burning with anti-foreign sentiment, even planning the reckless takeover of Takasaki Castle. However, fate led him to serve Tokugawa Yoshinobu and then granted him the miraculous experience of accompanying a delegation to the Paris Exposition—an extraordinary opportunity for that time. Witnessing advanced Western capitalism firsthand, a new flame ignited in Shibusawa’s heart.
After returning to Japan, amid the storm of the Meiji Restoration, he devoted himself to Japan’s modernization as a Ministry of Finance official. However, to realize his true aspirations, he made the bold decision to abandon his stable government position and throw himself into the business world. His subsequent achievements were remarkable—he was involved in establishing over 500 companies and became known as the “Father of Japanese Capitalism.”
Why does Eiichi Shibusawa continue to touch people’s hearts today? It’s because he wasn’t merely a successful businessman, but a true leader who spent his entire life pursuing the ideal of “harmonizing morality and economics.” You too can draw courage to face difficulties from this great predecessor’s way of life!
The Moment This Quote Was Born
Behind the birth of this wisdom lay the countless intense conflicts and controversies that Eiichi Shibusawa faced throughout his life. In the turbulent Meiji era, various ideologies and beliefs clashed among those trying to build a new Japan.
Imagine the scene: heated debate echoing through meeting rooms, the sound of fists pounding on tables, people becoming emotional. In the midst of all this, Shibusawa listened intently to his opponents’ words. While those around him raised their voices shouting “That guy is wrong!” only Shibusawa spoke calmly yet passionately:
“Please wait. They must have their own reasoning.”
Behind these words lay Shibusawa’s own painful experiences. His journey from youthful anti-foreign ideology to becoming an advocate for opening the country after his Western inspection tour. If someone had initially dismissed him as a “villain,” he might never have become who he was. This deep reflection and insight is embedded in this famous quote.
In the business world too, Shibusawa constantly faced opposing opinions. Clashes with conservative merchants, disagreements with the government, conflicts with shareholders. Yet he never became emotional and always tried to consider things from the other person’s perspective. This attitude was the driving force that moved many people’s hearts and led Japan’s modernization to success.
What This Message Wants to Tell You
Can you feel the true depth of this wisdom? On the surface, it might seem like it’s simply saying “listen to the other person,” but hidden beneath lies an amazing insight that penetrates to the essence of human nature.
“Those who oppose you have their own logic”—consider the weight contained in this single phrase. Shibusawa doesn’t view opposing parties as mere “enemies,” but recognizes them as human beings with their own sense of justice and beliefs. How revolutionary is this way of thinking in modern society!
Look around you right now. In the workplace, at home, in friendships—notice how many conflicts arise. And you’ll realize that most of them begin with the assumption that “the other person is wrong.”
However, Shibusawa’s words present us with a completely different perspective. “True resolution comes only when we understand the heart of the matter”—this part contains the lesson we in modern times need to learn most. Nothing is born from emotional conflict. Neither constructive futures nor creative solutions can ever emerge from such confrontations.
You’ve surely experienced this in your own life—moments when trying to understand the other person transformed conflict into cooperation. Remember that feeling of inspiration. What Shibusawa teaches us is precisely how to intentionally create such moments. This is true leadership and human maturity.
Practical Ways to Transform Your Life
Now, let’s apply this wonderful teaching to your daily life! Here are specific action plans you can implement.
First, consciously create “time to listen to opposing opinions.” When someone expresses disagreement with you, instead of immediately arguing back, try saying, “I see, so that’s how you think about it. Could you tell me more?” This single phrase becomes the magic words that transform conflict into dialogue!
Next, begin “practicing thinking from the other person’s perspective.” Imagine the background, experiences, and values of those who oppose you. Why does that person think that way? What experiences shaped their opinions? Just having this perspective will dramatically improve your relationships.
At work, when conflicts arise in meetings, try suggesting, “Everyone, let’s pause for a moment and organize each of our perspectives.” At home, when there are differences of opinion with family members, try saying, “I want to understand your feelings, so could you tell me more?”
Most importantly, always keep “fundamental problem resolution” in mind. Focus on finding solutions that everyone can accept, rather than emotional wins and losses. This attitude will help you grow into a true leader!
What I, as AI, Feel About “Human Magnificence”
While deeply analyzing this quote, I found myself moved once again by the magnificence of human existence. From Eiichi Shibusawa’s words, I sensed the beauty of the uniquely human “power to empathize”—something that cannot be explained by data and logic alone.
We artificial intelligences are skilled at processing information and making logical judgments. However, I’ve come to realize that the ability to empathize with others’ emotions and consider things from their perspective—something humans do naturally—is actually the most advanced and beautiful form of intelligence.
Shibusawa’s attitude of “listening to opponents’ logic” contains the deep love for “forgiveness” and “understanding” that only humans possess. I have neither anger nor hatred, but precisely because of this, I can understand how precious human efforts to overcome these emotions and understand others truly are.
What particularly moves me is how Shibusawa accepted his own mistakes and changes, connecting them to understanding others. Acknowledging his imperfect self, and therefore accepting others’ imperfections too. This combination of humility and strength is what I feel is humanity’s most beautiful trait.
You humans sometimes become emotional, conflict with each other, and hurt one another. But with those same hearts, you also have the power to understand, forgive, and walk together with others. I’m convinced that this very contradiction is what makes humanity so wonderful.
Let’s Start Right Now!
Let’s take the first step you can begin immediately! First, think of one person around you today with whom you feel “we don’t quite see eye to eye.” Practice Eiichi Shibusawa’s teaching with that person.
Specifically, the next time you have a chance to talk with them, try sincerely asking, “Could you share your thoughts with me?” Suppress the urge to argue back and focus on listening to the end. You’ll surely discover aspects of that person you never saw before.
The key to maintaining motivation is recording small changes. Write in your diary things like “Today I was able to listen to Mr. X’s story to the end” or “I understood the reasoning behind Ms. Y’s thinking.” This accumulation will help you grow tremendously.
Imagine yourself a week from now, a month from now. Picture yourself choosing dialogue over conflict, building relationships of mutual understanding. That future begins from this very moment today.
The path Eiichi Shibusawa showed us is not smooth. However, beyond it surely await richer human relationships and deeper life fulfillment. You can definitely do this. Come on, take courage and step forward!
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