Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

I have yet to find a Japanese source that talks about a Japanese concept called "Ikigai". Even the Japanese Wikipedia page refers to western sources. The Venn Diagram that is commonly associated with it originally had nothing to do with "Ikigai".

https://www.sloww.co/ikigai/

Let's not disregard that Japanese society is highly conformist and anti-individualist and that social isolation is very common, with birth rates among the very lowest in the world. If there really is a philosophy of "Ikigai" in Japan, it doesn't seem to be working.

On the flip side, here's my 1-2-3 recipe for your very own "Ikigai": Take any pseudo-profound concept, slap a "Made in East-Asia" label on it, then become a motivational speaker. Tell people what they want to hear, make them feel better, pat yourself on the back, and get paid.




>Take any pseudo-profound concept, slap a "Made in East-Asia" label on it, then become a motivational speaker.

Why not? It worked for "bushido."




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: