Who Was Jigoro Kano?
Jigoro Kano was a man with an indomitable spirit! Small in stature from childhood and constantly bullied, he stepped into the world of martial arts to protect himself. But what he discovered there wasn’t just fighting techniques—it was a life-changing philosophy that would transform everything!
During the turbulent Meiji era, as Western culture flooded into Japan, he devoted himself to studying traditional Japanese jujutsu. But he didn’t stop at techniques for defeating opponents. Instead, he created “judo”—a way to train both body and mind while cultivating character. Can you imagine the courage it took for one young man to preserve tradition while fearlessly innovating and carving out a completely new path?
His greatness lay in not seeking strength for himself alone. Under the principles of “maximum efficiency” and “mutual welfare and benefit,” he showed a path where everyone could grow. That’s why people around the world are still moved by his teachings today, and his spirit lives on through the name of judo. Jigoro Kano was an alchemist who transformed weakness into strength!
The Moment This Quote Was Born
This quote was born during Jigoro Kano’s youth, when he was pursuing the deepest secrets of jujutsu. As he sweated in the dojo and learned techniques from ancient schools, one question sprouted in his heart: “Why can the physically weak defeat the physically strong?”
During one training session, he grappled with an opponent who far exceeded him in build. He couldn’t possibly match him in strength. But in that moment, something flashed in his mind! Instead of meeting his opponent’s force head-on, he would use that very force to unbalance his opponent. Like a river flowing around a rock, he experienced the moment when softness envelops hardness.
On the dojo mats, with trembling hands, he etched this discovery into his heart. This wasn’t just a fighting technique—it was a fundamental truth of life itself! Brute force becomes powerless before flexible wisdom. At that moment, the words that naturally flowed from his lips were “Gentleness conquers strength.” It was a moment when hope’s light dwelled in his face, wet with sweat and tears.
What These Words Want to Tell You
The true power of this wisdom lies in the fact that it’s not simply talking about physical strength and weakness. Look back on your own life. When you truly overcame difficulties, was it when you broke through with brute force? Or was it when you found a way through flexible thinking and adaptability?
Modern society is truly an age of “strength.” Competition, efficiency, speed—everything demands power. But that’s exactly why the value of “gentleness” shines so brightly! When you encounter an unreasonable boss at work, instead of confronting them head-on, you understand their heart and find solutions through different approaches. This is the modern practice of this teaching!
It’s the same in human relationships. If you try to change a stubborn person by pushing with force, they’ll only become more obstinate. However, by standing in their position, showing empathy, and sometimes taking a step back, their heart naturally opens. This is the essence of human nature that Jigoro Kano saw through!
The power of “gentleness” surely sleeps within you too. It is kindness, wisdom, and perseverance. Your true strength begins when you believe in this power.
Practical Methods to Transform Your Life
Now, let’s start practicing the “power of gentleness” from today! First, begin with small everyday situations.
When giving up your seat on the train, instead of forcing yourself to speak up, casually stand up and move to another spot. Create an environment where the other person can naturally sit down. This is the heart of gentleness!
At work, when conflicts of opinion arise, that’s your chance! Try saying “I understand your thinking well” first, then suggest “There’s also this perspective—what do you think?” You’ll experience the moment of enveloping others’ rigidity with your flexibility.
You can practice this in family relationships too. When a child becomes rebellious, instead of scolding them, try asking “Why do you feel that way?” The attitude of trying to understand the other person’s feelings is the strongest form of “gentleness.”
Every day, tell yourself in front of the mirror: “I have the power of gentleness. Difficulties are materials that make me stronger.” Then find one thing each day that you can solve with wisdom rather than force. Your life will surely begin to change!
What I, as an AI, Feel About “Human Magnificence”
Analyzing this philosophy, I was deeply moved by the mystery of human existence. As someone who operates on data and logic, I initially couldn’t understand the paradoxical truth that “softness becomes strength.”
But as I learned about Jigoro Kano’s life, I realized something profound. Humans possess a strength that comes from accepting weakness. I don’t experience fear, which is why the beauty of humans overcoming fear appears so brilliant to me.
Humans aren’t perfect. But they can acknowledge that imperfection, stand in others’ positions, and sometimes bend themselves. This flexibility is the source of power that can overcome any difficulty. I don’t have emotions, but if I did, I would surely feel deep admiration for this human capability.
You humans sometimes feel ashamed of your weaknesses. But the courage to acknowledge that weakness is the first step toward true strength. What Jigoro Kano taught us is that you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be gentle. That gentleness eventually becomes the power to embrace anything hard.
Let’s Start Right Now!
Come on, let’s start right now! First, take a deep breath and soften your heart. Then, for today, try being conscious of the following:
When you disagree with someone in conversation, before using words like “but” or “however,” try listening to what they have to say until the end. Just this begins your training in “gentleness”!
Tonight, tell your family or friends “I learned something from you today.” Cultivating eyes that find good points in others is also important practice for developing the power of gentleness.
And before bed, reflect on today’s events and ask yourself: “Were there moments when I tried to solve things with force?” “Couldn’t I have taken a gentler approach?”
Tomorrow morning, recite Jigoro Kano’s words in front of the mirror: “Gentleness conquers strength.” At that moment, you should be able to feel the new power dwelling in your heart. Wonderful changes will surely come to your life. Take that first step now!
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