Today I want to share some words of Takasugi Shinsaku (1839 - 1867), a historical figure from the Bakumatsu period.
The parting poem of Takasugi is truly striking.
おもしろきこともなき世をおもしろく住みなすものは心なりけり
“Though this world may be lacking in fun, it’s the heart that makes it enjoyable. Whether you find the world interesting depends on your heart.”
Takasugi passed away at the age of 27. To have such wisdom at that age is remarkable.
Takasugi was a samurai from the Choshu domain during the Bakumatsu period and a central figure in the Sonnō Jōi movement, meaning “Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians,” was a late Edo period campaign in Japan advocating for the restoration of imperial rule and the removal of foreign influence. It significantly contributed to the Meiji Restoration.
With exceptional foresight and decisiveness, Takasugi dedicated himself to the overthrow of the shogunate. Although his life was short, his contributions laid the foundation for the Meiji Restoration and are highly regarded.
When I was 27, I was working at a university. It was a time when my job felt really dull, and my friend in the same department felt the same. We used to say, “Isn’t there something interesting?” every day as if it were our motto. A stark contrast to Takasugi. I wish I had known these words back then!
Takasugi’s words teach us that what we might overlook as ordinary can become interesting with a slight change in perspective.
However, changing our perspective requires a technique. Even in a mundane and boring daily life, thinking about things from different angles can reveal unexpected new aspects and uncover surprising enjoyment.
Also, considering things from a different cultural perspective is fascinating. For instance, what might seem ordinary to Japanese people can appear dramatically wonderful to foreigners, and vice versa.
In this light, the seemingly mundane events of our daily lives begin to feel more precious.
ความคิดเห็น