"Heart: The Life Lessons of Kazuo Inamori ("Inamori Philosophy" Masterpiece)" Reading Notes#
Author: Kazuo Inamori
Reading Time: 1 hour
These are the notes and excerpts I recorded while reading "Heart: The Life Lessons of Kazuo Inamori ("Inamori Philosophy" Masterpiece)" on WeChat Reading.
Recommended Preface: Inamori's Heart Philosophy#
Improve character, expand management
Mr. Inamori summarized six principles from his personal experience, which require efforts in six areas, referred to as "Six Efforts." ① "Put in efforts equal to anyone else's." Fully devote yourself to work, pursue excellence, and find joy in it, which can suppress laziness. At the same time, concentrate and focus on work, and selfish thoughts will naturally fade away. This is the most effective practice. ② "Be humble, do not be arrogant." Achievements from hard work, especially after gaining power, can lead to arrogance; this is a historical pattern that even great people find hard to escape. Therefore, suppressing arrogance and maintaining humility is a very important practice. ③ "Reflect daily." Even if one is diligent, there are times when one may slack off; even if one reminds oneself to be humble, flattery from others can lead to arrogance and sometimes anger. Persisting in daily reflection will prevent oneself from becoming worse. This practice is essential. ④ "Live with gratitude." If one reflects seriously and realizes that their achievements and progress are due to the support and help of those around them, a sense of gratitude will arise. Additionally, if one views setbacks and disasters as opportunities to strengthen will and enhance abilities, sincerely saying "thank you" and working harder is an excellent practice. ⑤ "Do good deeds, think of others." In this practice, it is important to note that "great good can seem indifferent, while small good can be great evil." Distinguishing between great good and small good, truly doing good for others, and genuinely being altruistic is effective practice. ⑥ "Do not have emotional troubles." Practicing the above five will greatly reduce troubles. However, people are inherently troubled beings, especially when facing failure, setbacks, and grievances, which inevitably cause pain and distress. At such times, rationally suppressing troubles and directing energy towards new work is a good practice.
Improve character, expand management
Mr. Inamori summarized six principles from his personal experience, which require efforts in six areas, referred to as "Six Efforts." ① "Put in efforts equal to anyone else's." Fully devote yourself to work, pursue excellence, and find joy in it, which can suppress laziness. At the same time, concentrate and focus on work, and selfish thoughts will naturally fade away. This is the most effective practice. ② "Be humble, do not be arrogant." Achievements from hard work, especially after gaining power, can lead to arrogance; this is a historical pattern that even great people find hard to escape. Therefore, suppressing arrogance and maintaining humility is a very important practice. ③ "Reflect daily." Even if one is diligent, there are times when one may slack off; even if one reminds oneself to be humble, flattery from others can lead to arrogance and sometimes anger. Persisting in daily reflection will prevent oneself from becoming worse. This practice is essential. ④ "Live with gratitude." If one reflects seriously and realizes that their achievements and progress are due to the support and help of those around them, a sense of gratitude will arise. Additionally, if one views setbacks and disasters as opportunities to strengthen will and enhance abilities, sincerely saying "thank you" and working harder is an excellent practice. ⑤ "Do good deeds, think of others." In this practice, it is important to note that "great good can seem indifferent, while small good can be great evil." Distinguishing between great good and small good, truly doing good for others, and genuinely being altruistic is effective practice. ⑥ "Do not have emotional troubles." Practicing the above five will greatly reduce troubles. However, people are inherently troubled beings, especially when facing failure, setbacks, and grievances, which inevitably cause pain and distress. At such times, rationally suppressing troubles and directing energy towards new work is a good practice.
Translator's Introduction: Universe and Life#
In today's rapidly changing business society, everything is changing quickly. Some even say that in this era, the only constant is change itself. The concept of "impermanence" in Buddhism is vividly reflected in today's world.
In fact, Mr. Inamori's life is a model of an ordinary person who walks the path to becoming a sage and a saint through changing their "heart," achieving a fulfilling life. When he held a heart filled with anxiety and selfishness, his life was full of setbacks; when he was forced by external circumstances to change his self-centered mindset, his life began to show a glimmer of hope; when he gained insights from this and began to actively control his mind, thinking and acting in an altruistic direction, his life entered a positive cycle; when he thought deeply and constructed a philosophy of altruism that reached the level of a cosmic worldview, not only did his life become prosperous and fulfilling, but he also became a leader of many organizations, helping countless people embark on the path to a happy life. It can be said that it is precisely because he possesses a faith foundation that reaches the level of a cosmic worldview that Mr. Inamori's belief in constructing his life view based on it becomes unshakable. This powerful will, supported by the forces of the universe, allowed him to rise above ordinary people, embodying the attributes of the "Übermensch" as described by Nietzsche. Therefore, even when facing various hardships and enormous challenges that ordinary people find difficult to cope with, he can rely on his firm belief and even faith to forge ahead, achieving great accomplishments and realizing happiness.
In today's rapidly changing business society, everything is changing quickly. Some even say that in this era, the only constant is change itself. The concept of "impermanence" in Buddhism is vividly reflected in today's world.
In fact, Mr. Inamori's life is a model of an ordinary person who walks the path to becoming a sage and a saint through changing their "heart," achieving a fulfilling life. When he held a heart filled with anxiety and selfishness, his life was full of setbacks; when he was forced by external circumstances to change his self-centered mindset, his life began to show a glimmer of hope; when he gained insights from this and began to actively control his mind, thinking and acting in an altruistic direction, his life entered a positive cycle; when he thought deeply and constructed a philosophy of altruism that reached the level of a cosmic worldview, not only did his life become prosperous and fulfilling, but he also became a leader of many organizations, helping countless people embark on the path to a happy life. It can be said that it is precisely because he possesses a faith foundation that reaches the level of a cosmic worldview that Mr. Inamori's belief in constructing his life view based on it becomes unshakable. This powerful will, supported by the forces of the universe, allowed him to rise above ordinary people, embodying the attributes of the "Übermensch" as described by Nietzsche. Therefore, even when facing various hardships and enormous challenges that ordinary people find difficult to cope with, he can rely on his firm belief and even faith to forge ahead, achieving great accomplishments and realizing happiness.
Preface#
"To achieve a new plan, the key lies in an unyielding heart. Therefore, one must hold firm beliefs, maintain high aspirations, and work tirelessly to the end.
Strive to suppress one's own desires and exert oneself with a kind and loving heart for others. This can also be said to be the important meaning of life bestowed upon us by heaven.
"To achieve a new plan, the key lies in an unyielding heart. Therefore, one must hold firm beliefs, maintain high aspirations, and work tirelessly to the end.
Strive to suppress one's own desires and exert oneself with a kind and loving heart for others. This can also be said to be the important meaning of life bestowed upon us by heaven.
Chapter One: Building the Foundation of Life#
Looking back, I realize that my youth seemed to be tinged with misfortune, but in reality, this was just the prelude to the wonderful life bestowed upon me by heaven. If my life had been smooth sailing, without experiencing setbacks and hardships, I would not have worked hard to refine my soul; I might have become a person who does not understand empathy and compassion for others. No matter how harsh the current situation may be, one should neither resent nor yield, but rather consistently respond positively; this is the secret to achieving a happy life.
Looking back, I realize that my youth seemed to be tinged with misfortune, but in reality, this was just the prelude to the wonderful life bestowed upon me by heaven. If my life had been smooth sailing, without experiencing setbacks and hardships, I would not have worked hard to refine my soul; I might have become a person who does not understand empathy and compassion for others. No matter how harsh the current situation may be, one should neither resent nor yield, but rather consistently respond positively; this is the secret to achieving a happy life.
Regardless of Good or Bad, Be Grateful#
No matter how smooth things are now, this situation cannot last forever. We must not indulge in prosperity and become arrogant; we must always maintain a humble attitude and strictly restrain our actions, never forgetting to be grateful. When facing disasters, suffering, and unfortunate situations, it is actually the perfect opportunity to express gratitude. Why do I say this? Because such harsh environments and severe situations can strengthen our will and refine our souls. Therefore, do not lament, do not resent, do not always be indignant; say "thank you" to disasters, suffering, and misfortune. Accept everything with a positive attitude and express gratitude, maintaining an optimistic mindset as you move forward.
No matter how smooth things are now, this situation cannot last forever. We must not indulge in prosperity and become arrogant; we must always maintain a humble attitude and strictly restrain our actions, never forgetting to be grateful. When facing disasters, suffering, and unfortunate situations, it is actually the perfect opportunity to express gratitude. Why do I say this? Because such harsh environments and severe situations can strengthen our will and refine our souls. Therefore, do not lament, do not resent, do not always be indignant; say "thank you" to disasters, suffering, and misfortune. Accept everything with a positive attitude and express gratitude, maintaining an optimistic mindset as you move forward.
Humility is the Amulet of a Happy Life#
Why do we say that ability and talent cannot belong solely to oneself? Not limited to humans, if we take away everything that constitutes the attributes of living beings—body, spirit, consciousness, perception, etc.—what remains is only that which can be called "existence." Centered around this "existence," all life is formed, and this "core of existence" is something shared by all life; it sometimes appears in the form of flowers and sometimes plays the role of humans. In other words, things outside the "core of existence," which we usually believe belong to us, such as body and mind, thoughts and feelings, or money, status, and reputation, as well as abilities and talents, are all merely borrowed things, bestowed upon us as accessories. Thinking this way, notions like "this is my thing" or "that success is my achievement" become baseless and lack substantive support. Once we realize this, arrogance will naturally disappear, and a humble heart will arise. Those things we consider our own are merely temporarily stored with us in this world; the true owners of these things, we can hardly know. Therefore, we should not use them for ourselves but must use them for society and for others. When the end of this life comes, we should return these borrowed items to heaven without any reluctance. Holding such thoughts in life and work, arrogance will disappear from the heart, and the heart will be filled with gratitude and humility.
Why do we say that ability and talent cannot belong solely to oneself? Not limited to humans, if we take away everything that constitutes the attributes of living beings—body, spirit, consciousness, perception, etc.—what remains is only that which can be called "existence." Centered around this "existence," all life is formed, and this "core of existence" is something shared by all life; it sometimes appears in the form of flowers and sometimes plays the role of humans. In other words, things outside the "core of existence," which we usually believe belong to us, such as body and mind, thoughts and feelings, or money, status, and reputation, as well as abilities and talents, are all merely borrowed things, bestowed upon us as accessories. Thinking this way, notions like "this is my thing" or "that success is my achievement" become baseless and lack substantive support. Once we realize this, arrogance will naturally disappear, and a humble heart will arise. Those things we consider our own are merely temporarily stored with us in this world; the true owners of these things, we can hardly know. Therefore, we should not use them for ourselves but must use them for society and for others. When the end of this life comes, we should return these borrowed items to heaven without any reluctance. Holding such thoughts in life and work, arrogance will disappear from the heart, and the heart will be filled with gratitude and humility.
Do Not Associate with Dishonest People#
"It is certainly good to prioritize thinking of others' interests, but what should we do if the other party is dishonest? Once you step into society, you will encounter many malicious people; if you treat them with an 'altruistic heart,' they will find ways to treat you as their prey." Many people probably have such concerns. In a sense, their opinions may be correct. However, I still believe that even malicious people are attracted by our own hearts.
That said, what should we do when dishonest people really appear? The best approach is to stay away from them and not engage with them. If doubts arise after interacting with them, find a reason to no longer meet. If they intend to harm us, we should decisively sever ties and not associate with them at all. The worst thing to do is to consider various strategies to counter their actions, scheming to harm them. Once we do this, our own hearts will become as dirty as theirs, sinking to the same level.
"It is certainly good to prioritize thinking of others' interests, but what should we do if the other party is dishonest? Once you step into society, you will encounter many malicious people; if you treat them with an 'altruistic heart,' they will find ways to treat you as their prey." Many people probably have such concerns. In a sense, their opinions may be correct. However, I still believe that even malicious people are attracted by our own hearts.
That said, what should we do when dishonest people really appear? The best approach is to stay away from them and not engage with them. If doubts arise after interacting with them, find a reason to no longer meet. If they intend to harm us, we should decisively sever ties and not associate with them at all. The worst thing to do is to consider various strategies to counter their actions, scheming to harm them. Once we do this, our own hearts will become as dirty as theirs, sinking to the same level.
Nature Teaches Us the Way of "Contentment"#
When I heard this story, I felt that there exists a "restraint" in nature that is absent in the human world. For survival, animals need to make minimal efforts, but they never let their desires excessively increase. They all possess the instinct of "contentment."
When I heard this story, I felt that there exists a "restraint" in nature that is absent in the human world. For survival, animals need to make minimal efforts, but they never let their desires excessively increase. They all possess the instinct of "contentment."
Reduce Desires and Build a Civilization Based on Love#
Saigo also used the phrase "Those who love themselves are the worst of evils" to strongly reject self-love. Human faults, arrogance, and failures in careers are all the result of excessive self-love. The attachment to self-love, selfishness, and self-interest is the true nature of human desires. Therefore, the more we can reduce such desires, the more we can eliminate the self from our hearts, and the proportion of our true selves can expand accordingly.
Saigo also used the phrase "Those who love themselves are the worst of evils" to strongly reject self-love. Human faults, arrogance, and failures in careers are all the result of excessive self-love. The attachment to self-love, selfishness, and self-interest is the true nature of human desires. Therefore, the more we can reduce such desires, the more we can eliminate the self from our hearts, and the proportion of our true selves can expand accordingly.
It is Because of Adhering to the Right Path that One Encounters Difficulties#
Those who walk the right path must encounter hardships. No matter how difficult the situation may be, whether in success or failure, life or death, one should not waver.
Those who follow the right path will inevitably encounter difficulties. Therefore, regardless of how challenging the situation may be, whether in success or failure, whether one lives or dies, one should not hesitate in the slightest.
Those who walk the right path must encounter hardships. No matter how difficult the situation may be, whether in success or failure, life or death, one should not waver.
Those who follow the right path will inevitably encounter difficulties. Therefore, regardless of how challenging the situation may be, whether in success or failure, whether one lives or dies, one should not hesitate in the slightest.
Reach True Self, Instantly Understand All Truths#
If we wholeheartedly refine our minds to become the consciousness of our true selves, we can instantly understand everything in this world. Those who reach the state of enlightenment have attained this true self. Upon reaching this state, all truths of this world will clearly present themselves before us, and we will be able to create the reality we desire.
If we wholeheartedly refine our minds to become the consciousness of our true selves, we can instantly understand everything in this world. Those who reach the state of enlightenment have attained this true self. Upon reaching this state, all truths of this world will clearly present themselves before us, and we will be able to create the reality we desire.
Chapter Five: Cultivating a Beautiful Heart#
Is everyone born into this world with a pure and beautiful heart? Not at all. Some people seem to have a murky soul from the moment they are born. Therefore, we must strive to refine our souls through our lives and not be negligent.
Is everyone born into this world with a pure and beautiful heart? Not at all. Some people seem to have a murky soul from the moment they are born. Therefore, we must strive to refine our souls through our lives and not be negligent.
The Quality of an Organization Depends on the Leader's Heart#
Therefore, if you ask me what the most important quality of a leader is, I would unhesitatingly answer, it is "heart." In other words, it can also be expressed as character or humanity. "Improve character, expand management." I consistently and continuously convey this to managers. Those in leadership positions must continuously strive to refine their hearts and improve their character.
Therefore, if you ask me what the most important quality of a leader is, I would unhesitatingly answer, it is "heart." In other words, it can also be expressed as character or humanity. "Improve character, expand management." I consistently and continuously convey this to managers. Those in leadership positions must continuously strive to refine their hearts and improve their character.
Always Cultivate the Heart#
Therefore, in the equation of life and work expressed as "mindset × passion × ability," the scoring range for passion and ability is from 0 to 100, but the mindset ranges from -100 to +100. The multiplication of the three is key. No matter how high the passion and ability, as long as the mindset is negative, everything is negative. This means that even if one possesses outstanding talent and achieves remarkable results through relentless effort, if over time the mindset falls into negative territory, everything in that person's life will turn negative and head towards decline. Conversely, even if one is not endowed with strong abilities and faces adversity, if the mindset is positive, that person will surely turn their fortunes around and lead a happy and fulfilling life. In conclusion, whether it is the glory of success, fame, and praise, or the adversity of setbacks, failures, and suffering, all are tests bestowed upon us by heaven. Therefore, whether in times of smooth sailing or when life does not go as planned, we must constantly reflect on ourselves and never neglect the cultivation of our hearts.
A person's heart is like a courtyard; it can be cultivated rationally or left to run wild. Regardless of whether it is cultivated or left to run wild, the courtyard will never be blank.
Destiny lies in character.
Therefore, in the equation of life and work expressed as "mindset × passion × ability," the scoring range for passion and ability is from 0 to 100, but the mindset ranges from -100 to +100. The multiplication of the three is key. No matter how high the passion and ability, as long as the mindset is negative, everything is negative. This means that even if one possesses outstanding talent and achieves remarkable results through relentless effort, if over time the mindset falls into negative territory, everything in that person's life will turn negative and head towards decline. Conversely, even if one is not endowed with strong abilities and faces adversity, if the mindset is positive, that person will surely turn their fortunes around and lead a happy and fulfilling life. In conclusion, whether it is the glory of success, fame, and praise, or the adversity of setbacks, failures, and suffering, all are tests bestowed upon us by heaven. Therefore, whether in times of smooth sailing or when life does not go as planned, we must constantly reflect on ourselves and never neglect the cultivation of our hearts.
A person's heart is like a courtyard; it can be cultivated rationally or left to run wild. Regardless of whether it is cultivated or left to run wild, the courtyard will never be blank.
Destiny lies in character.
Advocating the Philosophy of "Mindset Expanding Life"#
Life can be infinitely expanded, and the key depends on what kind of heart one holds. This is the teaching of the heavenly wind. The heavenly wind says that the universe guarantees that anyone can expand a beautiful life. Therefore, no matter what situation you are in now, maintain an optimistic and upward mindset, never be despondent, do not speak negatively, and believe that a bright future will surely come. "I was once a violent youth with no regard for the law, and now I can speak about life like this in front of everyone. No matter what kind of past one has, as long as the heart changes, anyone can expand a happy and beautiful life."
Life can be infinitely expanded, and the key depends on what kind of heart one holds. This is the teaching of the heavenly wind. The heavenly wind says that the universe guarantees that anyone can expand a beautiful life. Therefore, no matter what situation you are in now, maintain an optimistic and upward mindset, never be despondent, do not speak negatively, and believe that a bright future will surely come. "I was once a violent youth with no regard for the law, and now I can speak about life like this in front of everyone. No matter what kind of past one has, as long as the heart changes, anyone can expand a happy and beautiful life."
Approaching True Self, Presenting Reality as It Is#
In other words, what we call happiness and unhappiness, those things that cause us to rise and fall in the mundane world, are all illusions. Once we understand this, we can free ourselves from it. Once we are liberated from these chains of illusions, everything that happens in this world will clearly present itself before us, and we will be able to see and understand it; at this point, we can comprehend the truth of the universe. The significance of the Buddha achieving enlightenment through meditation lies in this. So, why is it that the truth of the universe is singular, yet our individual lives are tumultuous, filled with suffering and difficulties, and cannot be dealt with through ordinary means? This is because our hearts are murky, filled with distracting thoughts, preventing us from seeing the true nature of reality.
In other words, what we call happiness and unhappiness, those things that cause us to rise and fall in the mundane world, are all illusions. Once we understand this, we can free ourselves from it. Once we are liberated from these chains of illusions, everything that happens in this world will clearly present itself before us, and we will be able to see and understand it; at this point, we can comprehend the truth of the universe. The significance of the Buddha achieving enlightenment through meditation lies in this. So, why is it that the truth of the universe is singular, yet our individual lives are tumultuous, filled with suffering and difficulties, and cannot be dealt with through ordinary means? This is because our hearts are murky, filled with distracting thoughts, preventing us from seeing the true nature of reality.
Success Today is Due to the Existence of Family#
Those who cannot succeed are those who are completely unwilling to sacrifice their desires. If one wishes for success in their heart, they must pay the corresponding self-sacrifice. To achieve great success, one must make great self-sacrifices; to achieve supreme success, one must make supreme self-sacrifices.
Those who cannot succeed are those who are completely unwilling to sacrifice their desires. If one wishes for success in their heart, they must pay the corresponding self-sacrifice. To achieve great success, one must make great self-sacrifices; to achieve supreme success, one must make supreme self-sacrifices.
Everything Begins and Ends with the Heart#
Thinking this way, it can be said that life is actually a very simple thing. Based on an altruistic heart, strive as much as possible in daily life. As long as you do this, fate will surely improve, and a happy life will definitely come. At the same time, no matter when, it is most important to keep your heart beautiful and pure; this is the key to fully unleashing your potential and the key to opening the door to a happy life.
Thinking this way, it can be said that life is actually a very simple thing. Based on an altruistic heart, strive as much as possible in daily life. As long as you do this, fate will surely improve, and a happy life will definitely come. At the same time, no matter when, it is most important to keep your heart beautiful and pure; this is the key to fully unleashing your potential and the key to opening the door to a happy life.
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