Andrea
asked:
I have to wonder about the merit of the book that somehow ties being Japanese to being happy, and cites "always being busy" as the key to longevity and bliss. I hope the author knows that Japanese culture is the only one (at least to my limited knowledge) that has a word for death from overworking, and has some of the highest suicide rates from stress and impossible performance standards. How is this addressed?
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Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life,
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Marcelo Galuppo
This is not addressed by the authors, but I think you misunderstood their intention. They discuss how people from Okinawa achieve a very old age (about 90 years old) through alimentation, exercise and, sure, Ikigai (something that connects one`s mission, profession, vocation and activity). I think it is irrelevant that most suicides take place in Japan (Okinawa isn`t quite Japan). The question is why the most old people are from Okinawa.
Anna Victoria
The citation out of context does not reveal much. Let me offer a longer quote:
''They are always busy, but they occupy themselves with tasks that allow them to relax. We didn’t see a single old grandpa sitting on a bench doing nothing. They’re always coming and going—to sing karaoke, visit with neighbors, or play a game of gateball.''
By busy they mean exercise, gardening, engaging with neighbours and in spiritual practices and otherwise meaningful activities, volunteering and helping the neaighbours, in contrast with the Western idea of 'rest' in front of TV. It is also about continuing work after retirement out of passion for the art and the state of 'flow' rather than goals or money. Hope this helps.
''They are always busy, but they occupy themselves with tasks that allow them to relax. We didn’t see a single old grandpa sitting on a bench doing nothing. They’re always coming and going—to sing karaoke, visit with neighbors, or play a game of gateball.''
By busy they mean exercise, gardening, engaging with neighbours and in spiritual practices and otherwise meaningful activities, volunteering and helping the neaighbours, in contrast with the Western idea of 'rest' in front of TV. It is also about continuing work after retirement out of passion for the art and the state of 'flow' rather than goals or money. Hope this helps.
Marcelo Segura
I also started to think about these points you raise as I went through the book. It is a strange contrast since these facts about workaholic Japanese life oppose the fact that they do have long living populations. Perhaps it is all less "Zeny" and just down to economics , after all the suicide workaholics are people in working age, rather young, while the "ikigai masters" seem to be past their years in offices or under oppressive bosses. Kinda the baby boomers vs millenials situation we see nowadays although with longer age span.
auddiii
To be honest, isn't what the book sort of slyly implies, that Japanese culture, much like all cultures around us, have all the secrets within. Yet, modernization tends to kill the one aspect that balances out some aspect and amplifies the other aspect, until it pops like an overstretched rubber band.
This book talks about getting back to our roots, in the subtlest fashion ever.
This book talks about getting back to our roots, in the subtlest fashion ever.
Rigoberto L
There is a thing as being busy and a thing as overworking. Even western civ has a concept that people (especially men) just die (or lose joy in life) after retirement because they have nothing to do. The book in this context is talking about business not compulsion. So, the people in question are continuing to do the trades they enjoy, the arts they enjoy, or the engagements they find fulfilling. They might be gardening. Doing work around the community which they take pride in.
They aren't just sitting around watching TV. They are living an active life they find joy in.
They aren't just sitting around watching TV. They are living an active life they find joy in.
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