Great Construction

Subjectivity and Objectivity

     In attempting to get along with their lives, human beings are prone to subjectivity, and it is a fact that this tendency is particularly more prevalent in women. Being ensnared by subjectivity is the most dangerous thing there is. That is because the self believes that its own way of thinking is right and persists in its own opinion in addition to being prone to measure all others by the standard of that view. Due to such a position, not only do matters and affairs not proceed well and others made to suffer, the self itself suffers.
     In accordance with this reasoning, human beings should always step away from and then look at themselves. That is, they should make second selves and continually critique their first selves. If nothing else, mistakes should not occur. In this regard, I have an interesting story. The account concerns the well-known Ruiko Kuroiwa who was once head of the Yorozu Chōhō newspaper and also a translator and novelist. Because one of his interests was philosophy, I often used to listen to his lectures on philosophy. Among the things he said was the following. There is not one person born who is a satisfactory human being. If individuals want to improve themselves, they should make new, second selves. That is, the birth of a second self. Even now I recall that I was quite moved by this viewpoint, made efforts to realize it, and was benefited not a little by the effort.

 Kyūsei, Issue 54, March 18, 1950
translated by cynndd

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“Shukan to Kyakkan,” which originally appeared in Kyūsei, Issue 54, March 18, 1950, and while Meishu-sama still alive, reprinted in the essays anthology Divine Writings: Volume on Religion (Goshinsho: Shūkyō-hen), page 58, March 25, 1954, has appeared previously in translation. Citation is given below for reference.

“Subjective and Objective Viewpoints,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 365.

“Subjective and Objective Viewpoints,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Three, 2005, page 55.

“Subjective and Objective Viewpoints,” Meishu and His Teachings, n.d., page 82.

“Subjectivity and Objectivity,” A Hundred Teachings of Meishusama, n.d., page 135.