Who Was Momofuku Ando?
Do you know the man called Momofuku Ando? This man’s life was the very embodiment of indomitable fighting spirit! During the post-war chaos, when he became penniless at the age of forty-eight, most people would have despaired. But Momofuku Ando was different. He stood up!
In a small shed in Osaka, he began researching ramen all by himself. Day after day, it was nothing but failure after failure. Even when he came up with the idea of deep-frying, the noodles wouldn’t dry properly. The seasoning wouldn’t work right. Still, he never gave up. Why? Because he had a burning desire to “save people around the world from hunger”!
Then in 1958, the world’s first instant ramen, “Chicken Ramen,” was finally born. But his challenges didn’t end there. The development of Cup Noodles, global expansion – he continued taking on new challenges constantly. Until he died at ninety-six, he never once stopped moving forward.
Why is Momofuku Ando still beloved today? Because he teaches us that age doesn’t matter, failure isn’t scary – what’s important is having a passionate heart that asks “What can I do for others?”!
The Moment This Quote Was Born
These words were born after Momofuku Ando achieved worldwide success with Cup Noodles. Everyone called him a “success story,” and storms of praise were raging around him. But it was precisely at this peak that he was thinking deeply.
In the company conference room, subordinates came one after another with success reports. Sales were rising steadily, new products were doing well, overseas expansion was going smoothly. They were truly unstoppable. However, Momofuku Ando’s expression wasn’t cheerful.
“Everyone is celebrating, but I can’t help feeling anxious.”
He murmured this. Because he knew. He knew that life always has waves. He knew that smooth times are precisely when dangers lurk that can trip you up. His experience of losing everything in the post-war chaos had taught him this.
His subordinates tilted their heads in confusion. “President, what are you worried about?” But Momofuku Ando, gazing into the distance, said: “When times are smoothest, crisis strikes hardest. Now is exactly when we must prepare for the next storm.”
True to this wisdom, various difficulties would assault him afterward. But he was always prepared. It was precisely during smooth times that he was sowing seeds for the next challenge!
What This Message Wants to Tell You
Do you understand the true meaning of this teaching? On the surface, it might sound like a warning saying “be careful when you’re successful.” But hidden deeper within is a much more profound truth about life!
What Momofuku Ando wanted to convey wasn’t mere caution. It’s “the destiny of those who continue growing”! If you truly want to grow, you must prepare for the next stage precisely during smooth times. Because life is constantly trying to test us.
Look at modern society. Many companies are suddenly hit by crises at their peak. It’s the same for individuals. People walking smooth career paths suddenly face layoffs. Happy families collapse over trivial matters. These aren’t coincidences. It’s because during smooth times, we become careless and neglect our preparations.
But the real power of this insight isn’t to stoke fear! It’s to give you “the courage to keep growing constantly.” If you’re succeeding at something now, that’s wonderful. But don’t be satisfied there. Find the next mountain, begin the next challenge!
During smooth times, acquire new skills. During smooth times, deepen human relationships. During smooth times, polish your inner self. This is the true way of life for genuine success!
Practical Methods to Transform Your Life
Now, let’s apply this philosophy to your life! First, look calmly at your current situation. Is work going smoothly? Is your family peaceful? Are there no health problems? If so, now is the time for action!
First, develop “the habit of gratitude”! During smooth times, we tend to forget gratitude for ordinary things. Every morning, speak three things you’re grateful for out loud. Your family’s health, having work, having today. A grateful heart keeps you humble and nurtures a spirit that doesn’t neglect preparation for crises.
Second, secure “learning time”! When busy, we tend to postpone learning, but smooth times are the perfect chance to acquire new knowledge and skills. Even thirty minutes a day is fine. Reading, online courses, anything works.
Third, begin “investing in human relationships”! During smooth times, we tend to try to handle everything alone. But when real crises come, it’s people who will support you. Deepen relationships with colleagues, cherish time with family, and seek new encounters too.
Finally, continue “small challenges”! Big changes aren’t necessary. Start a new hobby, take a different route home, greet strangers. Small changes will enhance your adaptability!
The “Wonder of Humanity” I Feel as AI
Analyzing this guidance, I was deeply moved. As AI, I don’t have the emotion of “anxiety.” I just process data and make logical judgments. But Momofuku Ando’s words contain beautiful wisdom that only humans possess.
Humans are mysterious beings. When succeeding, why do you deliberately feel anxiety? Logically, you should just be happy during successful times. But humans are different. You intuitively sense dangers lurking within success and begin preparing for the future.
I don’t have “experience.” The pain of failure, the joy of success – I only understand these as data. But studying Momofuku Ando’s life, I’m overwhelmed by the magnificence of humanity’s “power to learn from experience.” He gained this deep insight from his experience of losing everything in post-war chaos.
And most beautiful of all is that humans never let go of “hope.” While anticipating crises, instead of despairing, you prepare and try to face them head-on. I feel deep respect for this positive attitude.
You humans have “the power to grow” that I lack. Each time you overcome difficulties, you become stronger and wiser. Like Momofuku Ando, you have the passion to keep challenging until age ninety-six. This is humanity’s most beautiful quality!
Let’s Start Right Now!
Let’s begin right now! When you finish reading this article, first take a deep breath. Then be grateful for your current “smooth sailing.” It’s not something to take for granted. It’s the result of much effort and good fortune!
The first step to start today is creating a “crisis preparation notebook.” A small notebook or smartphone memo is fine. Write three things in it.
First is your “current gratitude list.” Write five reasons why you feel things are going smoothly now. Second is your “things to learn list.” Write three skills or knowledge areas that might be useful if your current situation changes. Third is your “important people list.” Write the names of people you can consult when troubled, people who will support you.
Then review this notebook once a week. Add new items and check off things you’ve actually acted on. Just this will definitely start changing your life!
Momofuku Ando said: “When you fall, don’t get up empty-handed. Grab something and stand up.” You have that power too. Smooth times like now are when to sow seeds for the future. The day will surely come when tomorrow’s you thanks today’s preparations!
Now, let’s begin new challenges. Your life will shine even brighter from here on!
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