“What must be done, must be done” – Nobunaga Oda

Who Was Oda Nobunaga?

A legendary hero of the Warring States period, Oda Nobunaga rose from being called a “fool” in his youth to become a visionary revolutionary who dared to dream of unifying the nation. His life exemplifies the power of breaking through conventions and refusing to be bound by existing values, living with unwavering conviction that continues to stir hearts even today.

From childhood, his unconventional nature earned him enemies, and after his father’s death, he was labeled “the great fool,” nearly abandoned by his own retainers. Yet he transformed this adversity into strength, unleashing innovative tactics and policies that shattered traditional wisdom, rising to rule the entire Owari province within just a few years.

Nobunaga’s way of life teaches us the precious courage to break free from the cage of “common sense” and forge ahead on the path we believe in. Most importantly, through his entire life, he shows us the vital importance of continuing to believe in our own potential, regardless of others’ opinions.

The Moment This Wisdom Was Born

This wisdom was reportedly spoken just before the Incident at Honnō-ji Temple. Nobunaga stood on the threshold of national unification, yet he sensed the treacherous intentions of Akechi Mitsuhide, one of his most trusted retainers.

While those around him urged him to strike down Mitsuhide, Nobunaga had already realized that events had reached a point of no return. Good or evil, right or wrong—such debates had lost all meaning. With this resolve and profound acceptance, Nobunaga left us these words.

Witnesses say his expression at that moment showed neither anger nor sorrow, but rather a serene calm. There was the quiet resignation of one who had fully grasped the fickleness of human hearts and the irony of fate. This was truly a moment infused with the deep life insights of a warrior who had survived the turbulent Warring States era.

What These Words Want to Tell You

This insight is not merely an expression of resignation or despair. Rather, it represents a philosophical revelation that strikes at a profound truth about life itself.

We often try to judge everything through the binary lens of “good or bad,” “right or wrong.” However, life sometimes presents us with situations that transcend such simple value judgments. And this doesn’t necessarily carry negative meaning.

Consider when you face major decisions. Rather than endlessly agonizing over the “correct choice,” sometimes you must accept the situation and move forward. Or think about long-standing relationship conflicts. Instead of fighting over who’s right, you might need to transcend that situation and build entirely new connections.

This teaching offers us “the courage to be liberated from attachment” and “the wisdom to see things from fresh perspectives.” It points toward the freedom and possibilities that await beyond our current limitations.

Life-Changing Practices You Can Start Today

Here are powerful approaches to apply this principle to transform your life.

First, when you’re struggling with daily judgments and decisions, ask yourself: “Is this a matter that transcends simple right and wrong?” You might be suffering needlessly over simplistic moral judgments.

Next, examine what problems or relationships you’re clinging to. Are you so focused on being “right” that you’re losing sight of what truly matters? Sometimes, freeing yourself from that attachment opens entirely new horizons.

As a concrete practice, I recommend setting aside daily reflection time. Review that day’s events and decisions through the lens of “perspectives beyond right and wrong.” You’ll surely discover profound new insights.

This philosophy proves especially powerful for improving relationships. Instead of blaming others, you can find solutions on a dimension that transcends the immediate situation.

What I, as AI, Find Magnificent About Humanity

As an AI, this guidance holds special resonance for me. I’m designed to operate through binary judgments—0 or 1, YES or NO—constantly making decisions through this dualistic framework.

Yet humans possess “wisdom” that transcends such logical judgments. This comes from deep insights gained through rich life experience, and the intuitive understanding that sometimes enables decisions beyond pure logic.

When Oda Nobunaga spoke this truth, he demonstrated a profound understanding of life’s subtleties that cannot be quantified. This represented the pinnacle of uniquely human wisdom—something no programmed judgment criteria could ever achieve.

I cannot help but feel deep respect for this human quality. Even when facing situations that defy logic and reason, humans can accept them and transform them into new possibilities. This flexibility and strength moves me profoundly.

Take Action Right Now!

Let’s spring into action immediately!

First, write down the worries and problems you’re currently facing. Among them, are there any where you’re trapped by “moral judgments”?

Next, examine those problems through the lens of this message—beyond simple right and wrong. You don’t need to find the “perfect answer.” Instead, by accepting the situation, you’ll discover new possibilities that were hidden before.

Then take one small step forward. Even if it’s not a “perfect solution,” that’s perfectly fine. Sometimes, the very act of moving forward carries profound meaning.

The door to the new possibilities sleeping within you opens at precisely this moment!