Keio University Glossary of Terms

2003/04/01

Published in "Juku" No. 238, 2003

"Words" are not merely a means of communication.
They are alive with the hearts and minds of the people who use them, and with the history that spans from the past to the present.
Here, we introduce some "words" that we want new students to know in order to "get to know" and "become familiar with" Keio University.

・Heaven does not create one person above another

This is one of Yukichi Fukuzawa's most famous sayings. The original text in "Gakumon no susume (An Encouragement of Learning)" continues, "...nor one person below another." While it is used as a quote, there are various theories about its origin, including the "American Declaration of Independence." However, this does not change the achievement of Yukichi Fukuzawa—who was born into a low-ranking samurai family and cried out, "The clan system is my family's mortal enemy"—in establishing the meaning of these words among the Japanese people of the Meiji period.

・independence and self-respect

In his later years, Yukichi Fukuzawa ordered Tokujirō Obata and several other of his most senior disciples to hasten the creation of a moral code for Keio. The result was "Shūshin Yōryō: Fukuzawa's Moral Code," the core of which is "independence and self-respect." The second article of "Shūshin Yōryō: Fukuzawa's Moral Code" defines this phrase as follows: "One who fully maintains the independence of mind and body, respects oneself, and does not disgrace their dignity as a human being—this is what is called a person of independence and self-respect." The proposition of "Shūshin Yōryō: Fukuzawa's Moral Code"—that a true social order is built by individuals with "independence and self-respect"—remains a fundamental principle of Keio University today.

・learning while teaching, teaching while learning

At the Dutch studies school that Yukichi Fukuzawa started in the late Edo period, there was no fixed distinction between those who taught and those who learned. Instead, they practiced a form of education known as "learning while teaching, teaching while learning," a system where those with greater knowledge in a particular field would teach others, fostering mutual teaching and learning. Although this was a measure taken out of necessity during the founding period when Keio's foundation was still weak, it reflects the attitude that the deeper one delves into learning, the more profound it becomes, requiring a lifetime of continuous study. The "Keio Gijuku Shachu no Yakusoku" (The Keio Gijuku Shachu Pledge) also states, "Without establishing a distinction between teacher and student... all are generally referred to as the Shachu," and the concept of "Keio Gijuku Shachu" (see below) is also at the root of this "learning while teaching, teaching while learning." This magazine, "Juku," has adopted "learning while teaching, teaching while learning" as the name for its research lab introduction section.

・jitsugaku (science)

Along with the spirit of independence and self-respect, Yukichi Fukuzawa placed great importance on "jitsugaku (science)." "Gakumon no susume (An Encouragement of Learning)" refers to it as "practical learning close to people's ordinary daily use," but Fukuzawa researchers later added the explanation of it as empirical science. "jitsugaku (science)" can be described as learning that is practically useful, based on experience and evidence. Furthermore, Yukichi Fukuzawa preached the importance of applying the jitsugaku (science) one has learned in society.

・Jiga Sakko

This phrase, which also appears in China's "History of Song," is read as "I create the past from myself." It expresses the courage and sense of mission to challenge uncharted territory and to persevere through difficulties and trials. In "Keio Gijuku no Ki (Notes on Keio Gijuku)," written to clarify the principles of Keio University, Fukuzawa praises the work of Maeno Ryōtaku, Sugita Gempaku, and others in translating medical books, stating that they "devoted themselves solely to the task of Jiga Sakko," forgetting to eat or sleep day and night to establish the new field of Dutch studies. Of course, the efforts of Yukichi Fukuzawa himself and the early Keio students in quickly adopting Western civilization and contributing to Japan's modernization are also examples of "Jiga Sakko."

・source of honorable character, a paragon of intellect and morals for the entire nation

In the process of mastering scholarship, Yukichi Fukuzawa emphasized "honorable character" along with "intellect and virtue," aiming to cultivate personalities befitting leaders of society. The following passage is from "The Mission of Keio University," which he wrote: "Keio University cannot be content with being merely a single private school. Its mission is to be a source of honorable character and a paragon of intellect and morals for the entire nation, and in practice, by clarifying the true principles of family life, social conduct, and nation-building, it seeks not only to articulate these but to practice them, thereby becoming a leader for all of society."

[Extra] The pen is mightier than the sword

The pen insignia, Keio University's emblem, was originally designed and used unofficially by students. It was apparently inspired by the maxim "The pen has a power that surpasses the sword," which appeared in textbooks of the time. It was eventually officially recognized by the university authorities, and the large stained-glass window at the Mita library depicting it became a symbol of Keio. Many people may mistakenly believe this phrase, which is "Calamvs Gladio Fortior" in Latin, to be one of Yukichi Fukuzawa's, but the truth is as described above.

・Speech → "Enzetsu" (public speaking)

The Mita Public Speaking Event was launched in 1874. Today, "enzetsu" (public speaking) is a word anyone can understand, but at that time, the very concept of public speaking did not exist in Japan. Therefore, Yukichi Fukuzawa devised "enzetsu" as the translation for "speech." Yukichi Fukuzawa stated that this translated term originated from a document called an "enzetsusho" (a petition) submitted to the government of his home domain of Nakatsu, and that he replaced the character for "tongue" (舌) with "explain" (説) because he found the former to be too vulgar.

・Competition → "Kyōsō"

In "Fukuō Jiden" (The Autobiography of Yukichi Fukuzawa), he writes, "After much thought, I created the translated word 'kyōsō' and applied it to [competition]." It is still fresh in our memory that when former US President George W. Bush visited Japan, he mentioned this word in a speech, citing Yukichi Fukuzawa's name, while deepening his friendship with then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a Keio University alumnus.

・Society → "jinkan kosai (society)"

In "Appendix to Things Western (Seiyō Jijō Gaihen)," he assigned the translation "jinkan kosai (society)" to the word "society." Later, Yukichi Fukuzawa established the Banraisha as a social venue for the Keio Gijuku Shachu and the Kōjunsha in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan's first social club. He emphasized the role that social interaction played in the modernization of our country and widely enlightened society on its significance.

・Copyright → "Hanken"

As written in the "Foreword to the Collected Works of Fukuzawa," "I directly translated the foreign word 'copyright' and manufactured the new word 'hanken' (publishing rights)." "Hanken" is Fukuzawa's translation of "copyright." He possessed a social consciousness that resonates with today's active discussions on intellectual property and copyrights.

・Gijuku

This is presumed to be a translation of the English "public school." Many Keio University alumni and Keio students affectionately refer to their alma mater as "Gijuku" or "Juku," rather than "Keio."

・-kun

At Keio University, the only person referred to as "Sensei" (master/teacher) is Yukichi Fukuzawa. For everyone else, there is only a difference of seniority, and the honorific "-kun" is often used in Keio documents and records. Many new students are surprised to see notices on campus bulletin boards such as "Lecture by Mr./Ms. XX-kun is canceled."

・Keio students and Keio University alumni

These terms refer to current students and graduates, respectively. The deliberate use of these uncommon words embodies the pride of being a member of Keio University.

・Keio Gijuku Shachu

All members of Keio University, including Keio students, Keio University alumni, and faculty and staff, are collectively called the "(Gijuku) Keio Gijuku Shachu." The strong personal bonds based on the spirit of "cooperation among the Keio Gijuku Shachu" can be said to be one of Keio University's greatest attractions.