PHILOSOPHY ON WORK by Konosuke Matsushita

If you receive ten, return eleven

   If you receive ten,  return eleven. If you can work with people and society based on this attitude, both will become physically and mentally affluent.

The noise of the wind may become a voice

   A person who really understands work always has a mind that is receptive to new information. He/She will learn a wide range of things by seeking the truth, even in the faint noise of the wind.

Be Your Own Boss

   Although you are an employee, embrace the thought that you are actually an independent proprietor in the business of being a company employee, and work with creative and orginality. This will further increase your enjoyment of your work.

There is better above the best

   There is always better above the best. If you are aware of this, you can listen to others' opinions with an open mind, rethink things, and gain further improvements.

"Break into a sweat" to find a solution

   Before giving up on a problem, aks yourself if you are working hard enough "to break into sweat" and if you are directing your full strength towards finding a solution. If your efforts are sufficient, the reservoir of your wisdom will never run dry.

Success by continuing until you succeed

   Once you set your vision and got started, do not give up even if things do not go as well as you expected. Never give up. You will again success by continuing until you are successful.

Morals feed through to actual benefits

   If the morality of each member of society increases to a higher level, there will be no conflict. Human relationships and daily activities will go well. The efficiency of work will increase, and more goods can be produced.

Love your job

   Even if you are assigned to a job that you feel doesn't suit you, make yourself interested in it. This may lead to more interesting aspects of the job that you ever imagined. You will then be surprised, in many cases, to find yourself devoted to your work.

Be optimistic rather than pessimistic

   Optimistic or pessimistic - what you feel and think changes according to the state of mind. If what you feel and think changes, your decision changes. If your decision changes, your action changes. Accordingly, the results also change.

Enthusiasm is the most valuable talent

   As long as you are enthusiastic about what you do, this enthusiasm attracts people around you and they will help you even if you have poorer knowledge and are less talented than them.

Mt. Fuji can be climbed from the East or West

   There are several ways to climb Mt. Fuji. This means that you can change your way depending on the time and conditions. Sticking obstinately to one way can lead to problems or a dead end.

Dont' Say "I Can't"

   Are you determined from the first that "You Can't" based on your past experience and habits of thought? This attitude never gives new ideas and inventions a chance.

Accept First

   If you emotionally protest what you are being told or rejected, what good will come of it? First, listen to other people's opinions and try to take them on board. then, examine the situation and think carefully and logically. This leads to a greater chance of making the right decision.