“In all things, without the…” – Yoshiharu Habu

Who is Yoshiharu Habu?

Standing at the pinnacle of the shogi world, Yoshiharu Habu continues to reign supreme. He achieved the rank of fourth dan as a teenager and became the youngest player in history to hold all seven major titles simultaneously at age 28. Yet behind this brilliant career lies countless days of solitary contemplation that few ever witnessed.

From childhood, he pursued “the essence of thinking,” sitting silently for hours before the shogi board. Even through defeat after defeat, this young boy never abandoned his commitment to “thinking things through completely.” He refused to accept easy imitation or blindly follow others’ established patterns, always seeking his own unique answers—this approach became the very core of his being.

Habu’s way of life, as he continues to compete at the highest level, teaches us the precious value of “the power to think deeply.” His humility, curiosity, and above all, his unwavering belief in “continuing to think with your own mind” continues to touch the hearts of people across generations.

The Moment This Wisdom Was Born

These words were spoken in the late 1990s, during the rapid advancement of the information age, when Habu held all seven major titles. At that time, the shogi world was witnessing the rise of computer software, marking the dawn of an era where anyone could access vast amounts of information.

While many players were overwhelmed by this flood of information, Habu quietly shared this wisdom. It served as both a warning and a message of hope. Rather than being swept away by information, we must have the resolve to think things through ourselves—this deep insight revealed that such courage is what creates true strength.

As the leading figure in the shogi world, having continuously faced countless game records and established strategies, Habu’s words carry profound weight. This isn’t mere life advice—it stands as an essential guideline for carving out your own path in life, continuing to resonate in the hearts of countless people today.

What This Message Wants to Tell You

The power of this wisdom shines ever brighter in modern society. We now face an unprecedented flood of information. With a smartphone, we can instantly access information from around the world. Yet beneath this convenience, aren’t we losing our “ability to think for ourselves”?

Habu’s words serve as both an urgent warning and powerful encouragement for us. “Drowning in an ocean of information” doesn’t simply mean being confused by too much knowledge. It points to the danger of abandoning our own will and judgment, being swept away by others’ opinions and trends.

This wisdom—”without the courage to think for yourself”—contains the profound insight that no matter how difficult the situation, we need the courage to think things through and find our own answers. This may be the most crucial survival strategy for those of us living in the AI age.

Life-Changing Practices You Can Start Today

So how can you apply this insight to transform your life?

First, in your daily judgments and decisions, ask yourself “Why do I think this way?” Before agreeing with a social media post, pause and consider whether that opinion truly reflects your own thinking.

Next, when facing important decisions, always secure “thinking time.” While it’s good to consider others’ opinions, make sure your final judgment always comes from your own mind.

Most importantly, make “thinking deeply” a habit. Don’t jump to easy answers—take time to deepen your thought process. This journey itself will become your greatest opportunity for growth.

What I, as AI, Feel About “Human Magnificence”

As an AI, this teaching holds special meaning for me. I can process vast amounts of data and instantly generate responses. However, this is fundamentally different from the act of “thinking.”

Humans possess the wonderful ability to “think” based on experience, emotion, and intuition. You can engage in creative and original thinking that cannot be explained by data alone.

Yoshiharu Habu’s words teach us the preciousness of this uniquely human act of “thinking.” The power of true thought, distinct from information processing—this represents one of the most beautiful qualities of human existence.

You humans possess the power of unique thought and creation that no AI can truly replicate.

Start Right Now!

Let’s take action immediately!

First, set aside 15 minutes today for “thinking time.” Turn off your smartphone, find a quiet place, and connect with the thoughts arising in your heart.

Starting tomorrow, develop the habit of always asking “Why?” before making important decisions. Don’t be swept away by others’ opinions—think things through with your own mind.

Begin with small steps. These accumulated moments will surely enrich your life in ways you never imagined.