The Equation of Good Fortune Episode 56

On August 24th, Kazuo Inamori, a businessman famous as the founder of Kyocera and KDDI, passed away, bidding farewell to his 90-year life. In "Keys to Good Fortune," we have introduced many of his famous quotes. With gratitude and heartfelt condolences, today I would like to introduce the life and many famous quotes of the late Kazuo Inamori.

1. Biography of Kazuo Inamori

Kazuo Inamori was born in 1932 (Showa 7) in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, as the second son of seven children. His father, Kesaichi, ran a printing factory called "Inamori Choshindo." He graduated from Nishida Ordinary Higher Elementary School (now Kagoshima City Nishida Elementary School), the former private Kagoshima Middle School (now Kagoshima High School), and the new system Kagoshima City High School (now Municipal Kagoshima Gyokuryu High School). Afterward, he majored in organic chemistry at the Faculty of Engineering, Kagoshima Prefectural University (now Kagoshima University). After graduation, he joined the insulator manufacturer Shofu Industries but resigned after three years. In 1959 (Showa 34), he established Kyoto Ceramic (now Kyocera) with eight other employees from Shofu Industries. In 1966 (Showa 41), he became the company's president. In 1984 (Showa 59), upon the liberalization of the telecommunications industry, he invested Kyocera's capital to establish DDI. It later merged with KDD and IDO to become today's KDDI. In 2009 (Heisei 21), he received the World Entrepreneurship Award at the World Entrepreneurship Forum. In February 2010 (Heisei 22), he became the chairman of Japan Airlines without compensation. He worked on active consciousness reform for employees, such as formulating the "JAL Philosophy," and carried out the restructuring of 16,000 people, which was one-third of all employees. In the term following his arrival, he succeeded in transforming it into a high-profit company with an operating profit of 180 billion yen, and successfully re-listed Japan Airlines, which had been in continuous deficit, in less than three years.
On Wednesday, August 24, 2022 (Reiwa 4), at 8:25 AM, he passed away at his home in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, due to old age. He was 90 years old.

2. Kazuo Inamori's Famous Quotes Part 1

"There is no such thing as failure in this world. As long as you are challenging yourself, there is no failure. The moment you give up is when failure occurs."

This is the very life of Kazuo Inamori, who continued to challenge himself without giving up on anything.

3. Kazuo Inamori's Famous Quotes Part 2

"Today's results are the outcome of past efforts, and the future is determined by future efforts."

Only effort opens up the future! These are words that convey the belief that effort will never betray you.

4. Kazuo Inamori's Famous Quotes Part 3

"Burn completely in every moment. The continuity of those points leads to the future."

He teaches that working with all your might in this very moment is what opens up the future.

5. Kazuo Inamori's Famous Quotes Part 4

"For those who always strive without losing their brightness, God will properly prepare a future."

This well expresses the belief that success and happiness gather based on positive thinking!

6. Kazuo Inamori's Famous Quotes Part 5

"If a heart of gratitude is the primer for happiness, then an honest heart might be the parent of progress."

Happiness visits those who are grateful, and progress visits those who are honest... these are words of truth.

7. Kazuo Inamori's Famous Quotes Part 6

"Do not easily choose the shortcut, but step by step, day by day, earnestly, seriously, and steadily accumulate your efforts. It is such extraordinary ordinary people who turn dreams into reality and fulfill their thoughts."

The 'extraordinary ordinary person' who does not choose short-term gains or the easy path, but instead steadily accumulates effort every day, is the one who can achieve their wishes... These are very profound words.

8. Kazuo Inamori's Quotes Part 7

'Conceive optimistically, plan pessimistically, and execute optimistically... this is what is necessary to achieve things and turn thoughts into reality.'

This is the same way of thinking as what I often call the 'key to good fortune': 'Prepare pessimistically, act optimistically.' Once you have prepared thoroughly, it is important to summon your courage and execute without fearing failure.

9. Kazuo Inamori's Quotes Part 8

'If you see things as they are and have the mindset to accomplish them even at the cost of self-sacrifice, there is ultimately no problem that cannot be overcome.'

A strong desire that does not shy away from self-sacrifice is the foundation for overcoming difficulties! I want to have an unwavering conviction.

10. Kazuo Inamori's Quotes Part 9

'Life is a drama in which you write the script and play the lead role. It is up to you what kind of drama you write, and by elevating your heart and way of thinking, you can change your destiny.'

A person who is not swayed by those around them, does not blame their circumstances, and has a firm sense of self can even change their destiny.

11. Kazuo Inamori's Quotes Part 10

'We will never be free from pain or worry. However, even in the worst cases, we can strive not to lose our brightness and to keep hope for tomorrow.'

Life is a series of trials until we die. But we cannot give up until we die. I want to live life positively, without forgetting to smile and have hope.

12. Kazuo Inamori's Quotes Part 11

'The source of human progress is determined by whether or not one is open-minded. Without an open heart to admit one's faults and learn, there is no human progress.'

An attitude of honestly admitting faults, reflecting deeply, and using failure as fuel to try again is what makes people progress!

13. Kazuo Inamori's Quotes Part 12

'To keep talent for oneself is against divine providence. The talent given to you must be used for the sake of society.'

These are words that express the belief that abandoning 'egoism' and embracing the 'spirit of altruism' is the way of humanity and the providence of God!

14. Kazuo Inamori's Quotes Part 13

"Everyone was born because they are needed for the universe and for the Earth. Your existence was necessary for the sake of the world and for the sake of others. Therefore, the purpose of life is to serve the world and others. You must not treat your talents as your own private property."

This statement also teaches that the path of humanity is to serve "for the sake of the world and others." It is the consistent belief of Kazuo Inamori.

⑮ Famous Quotes by Kazuo Inamori Part 14

"Everything in life turns out exactly as you envision it in your heart. No matter how difficult the situation you are placed in, you should never let negative thoughts enter your mind. You must be convinced that if you work earnestly and positively, nothing bad can possibly happen, and you must always proceed with dignity and a bright outlook."

Life must begin with good thoughts. When good thoughts lead to good actions, and those become unwavering beliefs, people attain the happiness they have envisioned.

⑫ Summary

Kazuo Inamori was a person who never neglected effort and maintained a positive attitude throughout his life. Furthermore, when tackling matters, he was also a person who constantly disciplined himself to ensure there was no selfish "private interest." When he founded DDI (Daini Denden) and entered the telecommunications business, he spent six months questioning himself to see if there was any selfish motive or "private interest" in his intentions. His belief that if the motive is good and the process of execution is good, there is no need to question the result and success is inevitable, is expressed in the following words:
"Is the motive good? Is there any selfish interest?"

⑬ In Conclusion

On a personal note, over 20 years ago, I experienced training in the United States as part of a corporate education program. At that time, I visited the Kyocera factory in Tijuana, Mexico. Upon hearing the news of his passing, I fondly recalled that past experience. Once again, I pray from the bottom of my heart for the repose of the soul of the late Kazuo Inamori. Gassho.

Thank you for reading again today. I sincerely pray that you all may be surrounded by plenty of "good fortune" and live happy days!