Human Nature | Choichi Yoshino (Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care)
2004.11.04
I received a request from the editor of this publication: "This time, following the Homecoming Day held on October 16, we would like you to share a story about a memorable acquaintance or mentor."
I often get such requests at wedding receptions or alumni association general meetings, and I have always managed to handle them appropriately each time. However, this is the first time I've had an opportunity to write something that will remain in print, and I find it surprisingly difficult to write. On reflection, I realized this is because I have very few people who fit this description, especially those with a positive image, and because I feel sorry for those I don't mention when I praise someone. In other words, at events like wedding receptions or alumni meetings, the primary goal is to liven up the atmosphere with a bit of exaggeration, which is very different from my current situation.
However, I do see people in these situations who eloquently tell stories about their memorable acquaintances and mentors. But much like the "biographies of great people" I mentioned in my last entry for this "Okashira Nikki" (Dean's Diary), plainly titled "Effort," it just doesn't resonate with me.
Conversely, when it comes to stories with a negative image, I can think of many people who fit descriptions like heavy drinkers, those who are lax with time, surgeons with poor skills, or people who only notice incredibly minor details, but I can't write about them in detail because it would make them identifiable. But isn't this tendency to more easily recall negative images precisely what human nature is all about? And perhaps telling "stories about memorable acquaintances and mentors" is a privilege of the extremely fortunate, or maybe it's another privilege granted to those blessed with the ability to speak so openly about such things.
So, once again, my writing has taken a rather contrarian stance toward the given theme. However, these days I also feel that being able to take such a contrarian view can double the fun in life. Next time, I hope to tackle the theme head-on.
Finally, regarding the recent Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake, I hear that student volunteers from our Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care have gone to the affected area, which is very encouraging.
(Date of publication: 2004/11/04)