Altruistic behavior in human society (Reflections on the teachings of Ninomiya Kinjiro)

 Listening to the teachings of Ninomiya Kinjiro made me reflect on altruistic human behavior.

His teachings are based on three pillars:

1. Diligence (working hard)

2. Moderation (keeping one's standard of living within one's means)

3. Sharing (giving away surplus wealth generated through point 2)

However, the altruistic behavior consciously perceived within this framework is point 3, sharing, where surplus wealth is used for the benefit of society. Regarding point 1, diligence, in Edo-period rural areas, self-sufficiency was a major factor, so the self-interest of securing one's own food was strongly emphasized. However, in today's highly specialized society, work means contributing to the benefit of others, that is, providing goods and services that others need. In other words, altruism is already inherent in point 1, diligence. And in return, one receives compensation. Work is a perfect balance of altruism and self-interest. This is truly how the world should be. To live, one needs money. To earn money, one must work. Work is about fulfilling the needs of others; in other words, it's altruistic behavior. This world is structured in such a way that one cannot survive without altruistic behavior. If one tries to earn money without altruistic behavior, it becomes theft, fraud, or extortion, causing harm to others. This is called a crime and will result in sanctions from society.

It's understandable why labor is considered sacred.

And point 2, moderation, in Buddhism means "knowing when enough is enough." Maintaining one's standard of living within one's income is the only option, unless "debt" is taken.

Regarding point 3, sharing, I believe that the element of sharing is actually inherent in point 1, diligence. That is, in the Edo period, it was "land tax," and in modern times, it's "taxes"—aren't we being forced to "share" a portion of our labor earnings with society?

In short, if a person simply strives to live an honest life, that alone fulfills points 1, 2, and 3.

That's right. There's nothing difficult about it. Even if you try to live only for yourself, you'll unknowingly engage in altruistic behavior. Furthermore, the world is structured in such a way that you have no choice but to do so.

Therefore, there's no need to belittle yourself. You don't need to aim to be a self-sacrificing superhero; simply being alive is admirable.

The important thing to consider here is whether your work truly benefits others and society. If not, it's no different from a crime. It doesn't deserve the name "work." In other words, it's evil. Often, villains say, "I'm going to do my job," when they commit evil deeds, but that's not "work." It's just "evil." And it's destined to be punished by society. In other words, it's destined to perish. That is, they'll eventually get caught by the police. And they'll have to pay the price. That is, they'll be forced to perform altruistic acts. If you're going to pay the price anyway, wouldn't it have been better to just do a decent job from the start?

Another thing to be careful about is "debt." To exceed the limit of 2, you have to incur debt. Conversely, I believe that "debt" is a forbidden move that destroys moderation, a temptation from the devil. I've written before that debt is evil. If you can't live without taking on debt, then there's a problem with society. In Japan, there are unemployment insurance programs for those who lose their jobs and a "welfare assistance" system for those who are unable to work for various reasons. Therefore, theoretically, as long as you don't incur debt, you should be able to maintain the "minimum standard of living that is healthy and culturally acceptable" guaranteed by the Constitution. But if there are people who fall through the cracks of these systems, then there's a flaw in the social system.

In other words, simply living a normal life is admirable in itself.

I think I tend to think this way because I take God's love and Buddha's mercy for granted. Would that merciful God (or Buddha) really want us to become self-sacrificing superheroes? I think He's prepared an easier way of life, one that anyone can live. That's a pretty naive way of thinking, though.

"To rely on Buddha"

Shinran taught me this.

That's why I've developed a habit of relying on Buddha (God), so even when I hear the teachings of Ninomiya Kinjiro, I end up with this kind of "reliable interpretation."

As guided by love and mercy

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