Kenichiro Mogi: The world's best way of thinking
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 10:18 am
During the Edo period, when Japan was closed to the outside world, the Netherlands was Japan's only window into Western civilization. "Dutch studies" was a path to the world. Therefore, it was rational for the students of Tekijuku to devote themselves to Dutch studies.
Where is the path to the world in today's world? One undoubted way is English. Naturally, communication among the "creative class" that is leading the cutting edge of human civilization should be conducted in English. Moreover, the speed is too slow if translation into Japanese is used as an intermediary. We live in an age where "directness," receiving and transmitting in English, is important.
Critical thinking, the ability to objectively analyze a subject from remove background image various angles, is also an essential skill. Rather than simply accepting that a given answer is correct, you need to develop the ability to think logically and precisely, even in situations where there are many options and you don't know the correct answer. Without critical thinking, you will not be able to stand out in a global world where diverse people come and go.
And the ability to see through the essence of a "system" and build it with best efforts. How do you create and operate huge systems like Google, Twitter, and Facebook? Systems thinking is essential in creating new businesses.
What is the path to becoming the "best in the world" in today's global society? Can we identify this path and immerse ourselves in intense study, forgetting to eat and sleep, like the students of the old Tekijuku?
I'm sure it can be done. The potential of the Japanese people is much greater than this. The key to revitalizing Japan lies in the intensity and precision of academic passion.
Where is the path to the world in today's world? One undoubted way is English. Naturally, communication among the "creative class" that is leading the cutting edge of human civilization should be conducted in English. Moreover, the speed is too slow if translation into Japanese is used as an intermediary. We live in an age where "directness," receiving and transmitting in English, is important.
Critical thinking, the ability to objectively analyze a subject from remove background image various angles, is also an essential skill. Rather than simply accepting that a given answer is correct, you need to develop the ability to think logically and precisely, even in situations where there are many options and you don't know the correct answer. Without critical thinking, you will not be able to stand out in a global world where diverse people come and go.
And the ability to see through the essence of a "system" and build it with best efforts. How do you create and operate huge systems like Google, Twitter, and Facebook? Systems thinking is essential in creating new businesses.
What is the path to becoming the "best in the world" in today's global society? Can we identify this path and immerse ourselves in intense study, forgetting to eat and sleep, like the students of the old Tekijuku?
I'm sure it can be done. The potential of the Japanese people is much greater than this. The key to revitalizing Japan lies in the intensity and precision of academic passion.