"The value of beauty and inspiration is very much underrated, no question. But I want to be clear: I'm not trying to be anyone's savior. I'm just trying to think about the future and not be sad."
Elon Musk
PREMONITION OF LOVE
Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept that can be translated to mean "a reason for being" or "a purpose in life". The concept of ikigai is often described as the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. In other words, ikigai is the sweet spot where your passion, mission, vocation, and profession overlap. It is the point where you feel fulfilled, engaged, and motivated in your daily life and work. It is believed that finding your ikigai can lead to a sense of meaning and fulfillment, as well as a longer and happier life.
Ikigai is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and has been associated with longevity and good health. To find your ikigai, it's important to explore your passions, talents, and skills, as well as the needs of the world around you. By discovering what you love to do, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, you can identify your own unique purpose and find fulfillment in your daily life.
THE MACHINE THAT BUILDS THE MACHINE
From a societal perspective, the concept of ikigai can be seen as a way to promote individual well-being and fulfillment, while also contributing to the greater good. When individuals are able to find and pursue their ikigai, they are more likely to experience a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, which can lead to greater happiness, productivity, and social connectedness. When individuals are able to fully utilize their passions, values, and skills, they are more likely to make meaningful contributions to their communities and to society as a whole. This can lead to greater innovation, creativity, and social cohesion, as well as improved outcomes in areas such as education, health, and economic development.
However, achieving a society that supports the pursuit of ikigai requires a number of conditions to be met. These may include access to education and training opportunities, a supportive social and cultural environment, and policies and institutions that prioritize individual well-being and fulfillment. Additionally, it requires a shift in values and priorities away from purely economic measures of success and towards a more holistic approach that values individual and societal well-being.