20051124 | Masaru Tomita (Dean, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)
2005.11.24
When any organization continues for 150 years, its history itself can acquire value, and its continued existence can become an end in itself. However, this must never be the case for Keio University.
After Yukichi Fukuzawa's death, his disciples discussed what should become of the Juku. Some even suggested, "The Juku existed because of Yukichi Fukuzawa, so let's dissolve it now."
Fukuzawa himself left no will expressing a desire for the Juku to be carried on after his death. On the contrary, in his autobiography, "Fukuō Jiden," he stated, "I don't mind if the Juku is closed at any time when it is no longer needed." Fukuzawa despised being bound by tradition and convention, going so far as to call the feudal system of his time his "sworn enemy."
However, his disciples decided to keep the Juku going, thinking, "If we all work together, perhaps we can continue to spread Yukichi Fukuzawa's pioneering teachings throughout Japan." Therefore, Yukichi Fukuzawa himself might be the most surprised that the Juku has continued for 150 years.
Over its 150-year history, Keio University has established numerous traditions. While it is important to preserve these as a valuable part of our culture, it would be putting the cart before the horse if being bound by tradition were to cause Fukuzawa's pioneering spirit to fade in any way. In the first place, isn't it far more interesting to create the traditions of 150 years from now than to protect the traditions of the past 150 years? "Tradition" itself often begins as something "unconventional." Students and faculty should come together to think of interesting things and have the courage to try them, even if they seem a bit reckless. I believe Yukichi Fukuzawa expects such a fun-loving atmosphere at SFC.
(Date of publication: 2005/11/24)