Yukichi Fukuzawa for the Dean: The Fukuzawa Spirit: Independence and Self-Respect | Yoko Sato (Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care)
2007.05.01
In Japan, it was not until the 1980s that ethical issues in medicine began to be actively discussed as "bioethics." Since that time, I have been continually thinking about the challenges of medical ethics and ethics in nursing, and I find that "independence and self-respect," which forms the core of the Fukuzawa spirit, is a maxim that succinctly expresses the essence of ethics. When I find myself in a whirlwind of conflicting values and interests, unsure of how to make a decision, or when I am tempted to take the easy way out, I try to murmur "independence and self-respect" to myself. I believe that making independent judgments requires having one's own unwavering standards. However, standards that are too unwavering or rigid can, conversely, lead to what is known as *rōgai* (the harm caused by the elderly). When I try to prevent this by earnestly listening to the opinions of people from various standpoints, some people misunderstand and advise me, "Don't be swayed by others." Furthermore, "self-respect" must be based on "respect for others," but if this is expressed in a slightly inappropriate way, some people jump to the conclusion that it becomes "self-harm" and suddenly start asserting their opinions forcefully, making it impossible to reach an agreement that would otherwise be possible. This world is a difficult place.
The *Shūshin Yōryō: Fukuzawa's Moral Code*, created based on discussions among his leading disciples under the direction of Yukichi Fukuzawa, states, "People must make it their duty to enhance their dignity as human beings, cultivate their intellect and virtue, and increasingly let their brilliance shine." It is not so easy to determine what actions will enhance one's dignity. Indeed, even when one can make a judgment, putting it into practice is often quite difficult for us mortals, who are full of worldly thoughts, as "emotions" and "interests" get in the way. There are times when one must endure and persevere. Among the 29 articles of this code, my favorite part is Article 2, which states, "Those who fully maintain the independence of their mind and body, respect themselves, and do not disgrace their dignity as human beings are called people of independence and self-respect." Remembering these words and straightening my back, which has become noticeably stooped, gives me a little boost of energy. It makes me feel like I can try a little harder. Even so, it is quite difficult not to disgrace one's "dignity as a human being."
(Posted: 2007/05/01)