[Book Review] Eiichi Shibusawa's "Modern Translation: The Analects and the Abacus"

I have finished reading Eiichi Shibusawa's "Modern Translation: The Analects and the Abacus." *This article contains some affiliate links.

A Compass for Modern Business

Upon finishing this book, the first thing I felt was its modernity.

In the modern business scene, the attitude of "I am doing business solely for my own profit" no longer seems to hold water.
However, when caught up in daily tasks, it is easy to fall into the illusion that we are working only for the company or for ourselves.
At such times, this book serves as a wedge, reminding us of the principle that economic activity based on morality is what drives social development.

The fact that this book is a "modern translation" was also a great relief for someone like me who used to fall asleep during classical Japanese literature classes in high school.
With its flowing prose, Eiichi Shibusawa's profound philosophy is easily absorbed.

He rejects the simplistic interpretation that wealth is inherently evil, clearly pointing out that true economic activity cannot prosper unless it is based on morality that benefits society.
At the same time, he argues that morality based solely on ideals, detached from reality, actually drains a nation of its vitality.
I have firmly engraved in my heart that this attitude of pursuing an exquisite harmony between morality and economy is what leads to the ultimate goal of social development.

Harmony of Intellect, Emotion, and Will

What impressed me most in "The Analects and the Abacus" was the teaching regarding the balance of intellect, emotion, and will.
The phrase, "Possess brilliant wisdom atop a strong will, and regulate this with affection," felt like a vital guideline for us living in the modern age.
Modern society is an era of information overload, and we tend to be biased toward the acquisition of "intellect."
While honing knowledge and skills is certainly important, I felt a sense of self-admonition that the "regulatory function of affection" might be relatively declining.

Even in business, no matter how logically sound a decision may be, if it does not consider people's emotions and ethics, it cannot be called a true success.
In personal growth as well, not only intellect but also the "will" to overcome difficulties and the "affection" of empathy and compassion for others are indispensable.

I was reminded once again that by having these three elements function in a good balance, we can lead a more human and enriched life.
I strongly felt that I want to reflect on my own actions and thoughts and spend my days being conscious of this "balance of intellect, emotion, and will."

A Way of Life Worthy Beyond Success and Failure

In our daily work, we tend to be swayed by immediate successes and failures.
However, this book provides a new perspective on how we should hold our hearts regarding these successes and failures.

In the book, it is expressed that "success and failure are, in the end, like the dregs left in the body of a person who has put their heart into their efforts."
Furthermore, it argues that "if you can break free from the values of success and failure, stand independently and detached, and continue to act along the path of righteous conduct, you can lead a life of value that is on a different level from success or failure."
This emphasizes the importance of focusing not on the results, but on the process—that is, "righteous conduct."

In daily business, by constantly asking myself, "What is righteous conduct?" and facing that question with sincerity, I can pursue a truly valuable way of life that is not swayed by immediate success or failure.
With this teaching in my heart, I would like to continue to devote myself to my daily work.

Incidentally, the reason I started reading this book was that it was introduced in "I Summarized 100 Must-Read Liberal Arts Books That Global Elites Are Studying into One Volume."