Argument and Arithmetic
Shohei Otani, a successful player this year, is said to have been introduced to the Analects and Arithmetic described in “Confucius’ Analects: A Comprehensive Treatise on Anthropology,”by his mentor, former national team manager Hideki Kuriyama, and to have put his way of life into practice. The book was written by Eiichi Shibusawa, a leading Japanese businessman of the Meiji and Taisho periods, and is a compilation of his thoughts and economic views.
The title ‘Analects and Arithmetic’ combines Confucius’ teaching “Analects” and “Arithmetic” (abacus), which symbolises business and economics, and represents Shibusawa’s belief that morality and economics should be closely linked. The book encourages economic activities that are not limited to the mere pursuit of profit, but that emphasise ethics and the well-being of society, and has attracted attention in modern times as the starting point for ideas on business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Eiichi Shibusawa’s argument and arithmetic contains the following points.
1. the unity of morality and economy: Shibusawa believed that morality and economic activities should not be in conflict, but rather compatible. The values of human ethics and virtue espoused in the Analects are also important in economic activities, and the economy should be run in a way that is beneficial to society and people. It also states that true success is not the mere pursuit of profit, but rather the pursuit of the right path, aiming to contribute to the happiness and development of society as a whole.
2. harmonising public and private interests: Shibusawa argues that companies and individuals should not only pursue profit, but also consider the public interest. He valued the spirit of ‘altruism’ and ‘service’, believing that the pursuit of the public interest would ultimately benefit him and his company. He idealised a ‘win-win’ relationship, so to speak, in which economic benefits are utilised for the benefit of society, which in turn promotes the development of society as a whole, and enables businesses and individuals to prosper in the long term.
3. the importance of education: Shibusawa paid great attention to the development of the next generation of human resources and stressed the importance of education. He believed that human resources were essential for economic development and that without ethical education, social order would be lost. He supported many schools and educational institutions, believing that a more moral society could be built by fostering good human resources.
4. honest management: Shibusawa stressed the importance of integrity for merchants and industrialists. Honesty in business dealings and negotiations and respect for trust were essential for long-term management. He believed that honesty towards customers and business partners builds trust, which in turn leads to corporate growth and prosperity.
5. diligence and temperance: the importance of diligence and self-control was also stressed. Shibusawa believed that self-discipline and diligent work would lead to a prosperous life and social success. He discouraged wasteful spending and idleness, and held that steady effort was the path to success.
The Analects and the Arithmetic have influenced current corporate management and business ethics, and in particular have much in common with the ideas of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investment. Shibusawa’s spirit of altruism is also important in areas such as sustainable management and social business.
The fusion of morality and economics advocated by Eiichi Shibusawa is also valid in modern society, where companies and individuals should not only pursue profit, but also promote economic activities in a way that is in harmony with the well-being of society as a whole, a concept that will lead to the realisation of a sustainable future. This lesson is becoming increasingly important in today’s world of globalisation and information technology.
Business models based on the philosophy of argument and arithmetic
A business model based on the ideas of The Analects and the Arithmetic would not only pursue profit, but would also emphasise social well-being and ethical behaviour, aiming to benefit both the company and society. A business model based on Eiichi Shibusawa’s philosophy of ‘unity of morality and economy’ can be considered as follows.
1. a business model centred on altruism and social contribution
– Purpose: The aim is to contribute to society, not merely to profit. Aim: To create businesses that contribute to solving social problems by providing services and products.
– Specific examples: in B2B and B2C sales, for example, by providing services and products that focus on social issues (environmentally friendly products, services that support health), so that consumers’ purchase of the company’s products is itself a contribution to society.
– Example: the provision of organic and eco-friendly products benefits both society and customers and increases the company’s brand value. Businesses that give a portion of their sales back to social action programmes are also included in this model.
2. ethical and transparent governance
– Purpose: to ensure honesty and transparency in corporate operations and to gain the trust of stakeholders.
– Examples: transparency in all transactions, disclosure to stakeholders and sustainable behaviour to gain long-term trust.
– Examples: e.g. establishing sustainable supply chains and implementing environmentally friendly corporate operations. 2. transparency in governance increases corporate value, especially in an age when consumers and investors attach great importance to the social impact of companies.
3. management focused on the well-being of employees and communities
– Purpose: Respect employees as an integral part of the company, not just as ‘labour’, and support their growth and well-being.
– Examples: provide employees with educational opportunities and programmes that promote their growth and provide a respectful work/life balance.
– Examples: introducing skills development and career support programmes for employees, enhancing benefits and reducing turnover to support the long-term growth of the company. Volunteering for the community and participating in local projects can also be a way of contributing to employees and society.
4. balancing public and private interests
– Purpose: In its business activities, the company pursues not only its own interests but also the interests of society.
– Examples: e.g. companies develop their business in such a way that they contribute to the development of the local economy and the creation of employment opportunities at the same time as making a profit.
– Examples: adopting social business and BOP (Base of the Pyramid) business models to develop businesses that make a profit while contributing to economic development and improving the lives of people in developing countries. In particular, support for small-scale farmers and promotion of fair trade are based on this spirit.
5. sustainable management from a long-term perspective
– Purpose: Focus on long-term social value and corporate growth rather than short-term profit.
– Examples: provide sustainable products and services to support the long-term development of the company and society, rather than pursuing short-term profits.
– Example: emphasis on the company’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy and implementation of initiatives such as the use of renewable energy and waste reduction. This can contribute to the development of society while also achieving corporate growth.
6. education, human resource development and leadership development
– Purpose: to invest in the development of the next generation of leaders and contribute to improving the knowledge and skills of society as a whole.
– Examples: improving internal training systems, working with local schools and educational institutions, establishing scholarship schemes, etc.
– Example: a company contributes to local education by offering scholarships and internship programmes for students, simultaneously developing the local community and developing its own leaders.
Business models based on The Analects and the Arithmetic can be considered as extending the company’s raison d’etre beyond mere acts of ‘earning’ to social contribution and ethical behaviour. This is not just about pursuing short-term profits, but also about becoming valuable to society from a long-term perspective. This will increase the brand value and trust of the company and enable it to build good relationships with its stakeholders, such as employees, customers, investors and local communities.
Life lessons drawn from the Analects and Arithmetic
The life lessons drawn from the ideas in The Analects and the Arithmetic contain guidelines for enriching one’s life by contributing to others and society, rather than merely pursuing success. Eiichi Shibusawa’s principle of balancing morality and economics has influenced many people to this day as a lesson on how to make happiness and success in life more meaningful. These life lessons are described below.
1. live with altruism
– Lesson: It is important to have a mind to contribute, not only to one’s own interests, but also to the well-being of others and society as a whole.
– Commentary: Eiichi Shibusawa believed that it is important to bring significance and value to society, not just the benefits you gain. Altruistic behaviour brings many benefits to oneself in the long run and builds trust with those around you. The satisfaction and growth that comes from helping others is a great force for enriching one’s life, he stated.
2. integrity and honesty.
– Lesson: integrity and honesty in any situation and building trusting relationships will lead to success in life.
– Commentary: Shibusawa taught that integrity and trust are important in any work. By living honestly, you will gain the trust of those around you and will find it easier to get help and cooperation in difficult situations. He stated that an attitude of sincerity will ultimately lead to greater success in one’s life.
3. maintain a balance between morality and economy
– Lesson: try to be a person who is useful to society through economic activities, without forgetting morality.
– Commentary: Shibusawa’s teaching of ‘argument and arithmetic’ was aimed at harmonising morality and economics. It is important not to forget ethics and integrity when pursuing work and economic goals. By maintaining such an attitude, it was assumed that one would be respected by those around them and achieve long-term success.
4. never neglect education and self-improvement
– Lesson: continue to learn and strive to develop yourself throughout your life.
– Commentary: Shibusawa attached great importance to education and human resource development. Continuing to learn throughout one’s life is important to take in new knowledge and perspectives and to improve oneself. He stated that constant learning and self-improvement would lead to better relationships, better work performance and a fulfilled life.
5. pursue the public interest and grow with society
– Lesson: act with the public interest in mind and grow with those around you, not just for the benefit of the individual or company.
– Commentary: Shibusawa believed that it is important for companies and individuals to take responsibility for society as well and contribute to the public interest. By considering the interests of society as a whole, they can gain the support and cooperation of those around them, which in turn leads to their own growth and success. They stated that by living as a member of society and contributing to it, they would gain a sense of fulfilment and achievement.
6. thinking about life from a long-term perspective
– Lesson: do not get caught up in immediate gains and successes, but look at long-term goals.
– Commentary: Shibusawa emphasised aiming for sustainable development rather than short-term success. In life, too, he believed that planning from a long-term perspective, rather than being preoccupied with short-term desires and interests, would help build a richer and more stable life, and that it was important to consider how current actions would affect the future and to make prudent decisions.
7. act ethically in difficult times
– Lesson: even in difficult situations, it is important to value moral judgement and take the right action.
– Commentary: Shibusawa believed that it was important to maintain moral judgement in any situation. He stated that it is especially in tough or difficult situations that moral judgement is necessary and that ethical behaviour will maintain the trust of those around you and help you to overcome adversity.
8. value hard work and temperance
– Lesson: diligent work and temperance lead to a fulfilling life.
– Commentary: Shibusawa believed that hard work and diligence were the keys to success. He believed that avoiding laziness and wasteful spending and working diligently towards a goal would lead to achievement and fulfilment, and that temperance would help build a stable life by storing resources and energy for the future.
Arguments, arithmetic and Shohei Otani
There are many similarities between the teachings of Eiichi Shibusawa’s The Analects and the Arithmetic and the way of life of Shohei Otani, and these ideas can serve as important guidelines for self-realisation and social contribution even today.
1. compatibility of morality and achievement: Shibusawa taught ‘compatibility of morality and economy’, while Shohei Otani’s behaviour emphasises not only his achievements but also his humanity.
2. self-improvement: just as Shibusawa continued to learn throughout his life, Otani pursues growth through daily training and self-discipline.
3. altruistic spirit: in line with Shibusawa’s teachings on contributing to society, Otani values his team and fans and strives to act altruistically.
4. long-term perspective: in line with Shibusawa’s ‘long-term perspective’, Otani aims to build a sustainable career.
5. humility: Shibusawa’s philosophy that one should remain humble even after success is reflected in Otani’s dignity and integrity.
6. spirit of challenge: just as Shibusawa valued not being afraid of change, Otani continues to take on the challenge of being a two-sport athlete.
reference book
For reference books on “The Analects and the Abacus” by Eiichi Shibusawa in English, you can consider the following:
1. “Shibusawa Eiichi: A Meiji Entrepreneur” by Marius Jansen
This book provides a deep insight into Shibusawa’s life, his philosophies, and how he integrated Confucian principles (*The Analects*) with practical business practices (*The Abacus*).
2. “The Autobiography of Shibusawa Eiichi”
While not directly about *The Analects and the Abacus*, this autobiography offers a personal view of Shibusawa’s views on business and ethics, which were influenced by Confucian values.
3. “Confucian Capitalism: Shibusawa Eiichi and the Development of Modern Japan” by Kozo Yamamura
This book discusses how Shibusawa’s fusion of Confucianism and capitalism shaped the economic development of modern Japan.
These references will help in understanding Shibusawa’s views on ethics, business, and the integration of the two, central themes in The Analects and the Abacus.
コメント