Ryan Restvedt
Paper number three
Due Tuesday, 04/15
What moral lessons are embedded in these two stories? -In Ihara Saikaku’s The Life of an Amorous Woman and The Eternal Storehouse of Japan, there lies an outline upon which men should thrive to live with fewer bumps in the road. A truly wealthy man must learn to subdue his passions in order to stay wealthy. Too many passions without control lead people into true problems.
Is it lust? Or is there more virtue in a life of attaining wealth? And if so, what is the best way about being humble on having this wealth versus releasing inner desires that will only last temporarily. Some passions are a financial burden that will dwindle away at a bank account like fire to hardened wax.
“The life of a man may be a dream, that it lasts some 50 years, and whatever honest work we may choose in this road, we she’ll surely find it.” Inasmuch as the honest acquisition of wealth is the townsman’s main aim in life, poverty must be regarded as a sort of illness. It is an illness, however, they can be cured by hard work, thrift, care of oneself and other ingredients of the “millionaire pills”. (P 277, The Eternal Storehouse)
Quite possibly the best lesson that can be taken from this reading is that if you keep on a steady path of hard work, keep out of trouble, and live on the straight and narrow, you will be on the path to true success. Don’t be sidetracked by attractions of desire that can call you from that very path. As we all know certain vices have their prices.
In Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s Chûshingura, After Tokugawa got to be Shogun in 1601; Japan entered a long time of controlled peace. The Samurai warrior-class was compelled to adjust in that, exchanging their swords for the pen, and a numbe...
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...apanese culture. Saving face is still a valued aspect, as well as preservation of the reputation of a family’s name. Self-obedience, humbleness, is reflected on this unique society even today.
The Japanese mentality is about the group mindset. They dependably prioritize their commitments to the working lifestyle to protect peace and congruency within the group. Typically, Japanese individuals belong to various groups. These groups are typically socially aligned with hierarchy, much like the authoritative lifestyle of their past.
Another interesting facet that the Japanese carry is the inner circle of community. Given that outsiders cannot and will not become Japanese, ever, there lies a stigma that many foreigners often see. Certain groups, restaurants, activities, shrines, and ceremonies are closed off to outsiders. However, this is much like the samurai society
Benjamin Franklin’s The Way to Wealth displays the life of Poor Richard who has ultimately accomplished what most Americans would consider the American Dream: Poor Richard, also known as Richard Saunders, comes from a life of poverty then successfully develops a rich and productive life. Franklin demonstrates that Poor Richard’s work ethic and frugality allow him to advance up the social hierarchy. Nevertheless, scholars oftentimes question Franklin’s intentions throughout his almanac. However, in The Way to Wealth, Franklin’s utilization of rhetorical strategies demonstrates Franklin’s intention to persuade his audience to capitalize their life through dutiful, virtuous, and meaningful actions instead of words.
Carnegie’s essay contains explanations of three common methods by which wealth is distributed and his own opinions on the effects of each. After reading the entire essay, readers can see his overall appeals to logos; having wealth does not make anyone rich, but using that wealth for the greater good does. He does not force his opinions onto the reader, but is effectively convincing of why his beliefs make sense. Andrew Carnegie’s simple explanations intertwined with small, but powerful appeals to ethos and pathos become incorporated into his overall appeal to logos in his definition of what it means for one to truly be rich.
Musui’s Story is the exciting tale of a low class samurai’s life towards the end of the Tokugawa era. Although one would normally imagine a samurai to be a noble illustrious figure, Musui’s Story portrays the rather ignominious life of an unemployed samurai. Nonetheless, this primary account demonstrates the tenacity of samurai values and privileges present at the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. The social status of samurai had been elevated to such a state that even someone like Musui was easily able to gain influence in everyday affairs with his privileges. Not only that, but he had retained his values as a warrior and still kept great pride for his arts in weaponry.
Wealth and fame are not necessities that are needed to be happy with life. Fame and wealth are very sought after, because many people think those things and happiness go hand and hand. People are often mislead by this theory, money can make a person happy but it can also ruin every relationship they have and it can kill any ounce of joy they have. Wealth can be an idol that blinds people to the truly important things in life. When people solely focus on money to make them happy, they become emotionally and physically exhausted.
Throughout History, there have been many different groups or events that are still widely known today. Groups of people such as the Indians or Vikings are popular groups which are referenced constantly in today’s society. However, none of these groups is more known or referenced than the Japanese Samurai. Originating in 646 AD, these Japanese warriors developed from a loose organization of farmers to the dominant social class in Feudal Japan. Along with their dominant military and political standing, the samurai brought with them a unique code or moral belief that became the core of Samurai culture. Because of this, the Samurai and their principles still affect modern day Japanese society with social customs today deriving directly and indirectly from the beliefs of the Samurai.
...The culture as a whole, reflects the need to be a member of a group. There are many cultural, sports and social adult groups. Within groups, Japanese adults are some of the most unique people, but without it, you wonder where their identity lies: what the group is or what they are as people.
“A Millionaire in Blue Jeans?” One of the most valuable principles is found in the very first chapter. Our authors do a wonderful job at dispelling any delusions we have regarding what a Millionaire looks like. I had long assumed, like many others, that the Millionaires of America were the hyperconsumers and elaborate spenders. In fact, we learn that just the opposite is true. I came to understand that, “Wealth is not the same as income”. (The Millionaire Next Door, p. 1, Stanley & Danko) In many cases, income is not at the forefront of relevancy when determining whether someone will become wealthy. There are several factors involved, but ultimately, if a person spends their entire income, the number value of said income simply doesn’t matter. The old age adage regarding spending less than you make is of much more importance. In the Church, this is referred to as ‘living below our means’. We have often been counseled to exercise restraint regarding our spending habits, and have also been commanded to obtain a level of financially secure by building up our savings, staying out of debt, and living within our means. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006), 11423) It seems rather silly that a large percentage of our population would be under the assumption that living a large lifestyle, along with the accumulation of fancy things, would somehow equate to wealth. After reading the book, I have come to understand that many of us have an extremely distorted relationship with money, in the assumption that money is to get and spend, while those who are authentic accumulators of wealth understand that money should be invested and stored up as a measure of safety and peace.
I chose to compare and contrast the United States culture with the culture of Japan. There are a few similarities between the two, such as a love of the arts, fashion and baseball. However, they are culturally different than similar in very major aspects. Japan is a very homogenous society made up of about 98% ethnic Japanese. They tend to put a lot of emphasis on family and communities, and value the group more than the individual (Aliasis, 2013).
There is more to Japan than kimonos and sushi. This unique and creative culture is only known for the stereotypes media associated with that country. In response to that, a critical question to ponder is “How is Japan influenced by the demographic imperative?”. With that mentioned, I argue that Japan remains culture that focuses on tradition while accepting and adapting to ideologies of Western culture. To begin this essay, a brief history of two major events that impacted Japan will be discussed to get a better understanding of its current ways of living today. After that will follow a section of cultural identity and the basis of Japanese culture. Lastly, an analysis of demographics will be given to conclude the essay.
Our planet consists of many different groups and cultures. Cultures across the globe interact differently on basic societal, religious, and political levels. The way that these cultures differ is important to understanding the past, present, and future of our time on Earth. Contrasting cultural language, social interactions, families, and educational institutions all play an impactful role in differentiating one vulture from the other. Japan in particular diverges in those main points to the United States in many ways. Without leaving out communication methods like Mass Media, Verbal and Non Verbal communication, and religion, these are also all major factors of a developed culture. Although those points are significant, the foundation of all
Throughout history, human beings have developed diverse cultures all over the world. Within the many cultures and countries of the world one can also find many different “subcultures” that have appeared over the years. Merriam Webster’s Online dictionary defines a subculture as: “an ethnic, regional, economic, or social group exhibiting characteristic patterns of behavior sufficient to distinguish it from others within an embracing culture or society” (Merriam-Webster). That said, this essay will take a look at a subculture unique to Japan, called: “Hikikomori.” Hikikomori have become a major issue in Japan. Practically interpreted as "social withdrawal”, hikikomori refers “to the state of anomie into which an increasing number of young Japanese seem to fall these days.” Thus, in order to understand the subculture of hikikomori, one should first learn what exactly hikikomori are, its effects on the individual involved within the subculture as well as the family and friends surrounding the hikikomori, and lastly how and when this subculture began.
The cultural frameworks of Hofstede and Trompenaars shows a low level of individualism and a high level of uncertainty avoidance compared with Western cultures(Europe,North America), reflected in the high priority placed on rituals, routines, and procedures in organizations and society in general. The Japanese are relatively neutral or unemotional in the workplace and they work with using objective rather than subjective forms of decision-making. A strong sense of collectivism rather than individualism tends to dominate many aspects of Japanese life. Whether work-related or outside work, clubs, groups, and societies exist at all levels and people will tend to belong to several, with a distinct ranking in each according to its focus and their age and
Stories about war and implements of such can be observed throughout the course of Japanese history. This shows the prevalence of martial training and the profession of arms as a tradition that has not faded since ancient times (Friday and Humitake 13).
A comparison between modern Western countries and Japan emphasizes a large discrepancy in beliefs regarding cultural growth in the separate parts of the world (Leonardson, 2004). According to many scholars and much research done on Japan the culture is the perfect example of what cultural homogeneity means as a whole. The cultural homogeneity affects the Japanese youth in how they grow, develop, affect their communities, and live their future lives in the community; this also plays a role in forcing out crime in the country. It also affects the procedures of the police force when interacting with citizens and planning new procedures that require the help and cooperation of Japanese citizens. The cultural
There are many key components to the Japanese culture that I never knew that they followed. The top three things that I feel the Japanese follow heavily are respect, trust, and harmony( Japanese Culture, 2016). The first thing I learned from reading the article on Japanese culture was that if I was a business man going into this country that I would need to bring with me enough business cards to give to everyone( Japanese Culture, 2016). I would also need to have the cards printed in my native language and in Japanese. I would need to have it in Japanese on my business card because it would show respect to them about their culture. I could not just shove my business cards in my pocket( Japanese Culture, 2016). I also could not write