Kawai Tsuginosuke (1827-1868) was the de facto leader of the Nagaoka Domain during the late Edo period. He held a pioneering belief for his time: officials should work to improve the lives of the people, a concept that is fundamentally democratic. Through various reforms, he revitalized the domain’s finances but succumbed to wounds sustained during the Japanese Civil War.
The quote by Tsuginosuke that titles this post is a counter to the proverb “Neither burn aloeswood nor fart,” which means to be neither refined enough to enjoy fragrant incense nor coarse enough to fart—essentially, to be of no use, neither beneficial nor harmful, utterly mediocre. Tsuginosuke’s words are a call to reject mediocrity.
Preceding this quote is the statement, “Become someone indispensable to the world, or become someone who should not exist.” In essence, if you cannot be someone necessary to society, then at least cultivate the mindset of someone who can cause change, even if disruptive. Do not be a trivial, insignificant person. To achieve great things, act without being bound by conventions or fear of failure.
These words convey the determination of a samurai who lived through the turbulent Bakumatsu period.
I believe that our current era is also one of significant upheaval. The clash of old and new values, the rapid evolution of technology, the increasing impact of climate change, and the shifting geopolitical landscape—navigating through these changes requires wisdom and resolve. Perhaps the words and insights of samurai who lived through tumultuous times can provide valuable guidance.
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