Working for a world based on mutual understanding
The world is moving rapidly towards unification, and while the distances and barriers between us may be diminishing, the chances for conflict due to differences are very much on the increase. One of the world’s most urgent challenges—as well as being a major undertaking for us in business—is how to deal with these differences in understanding.
More than anything else, I believe we must break down the barriers of language and overcome those that stand in the way of the spread of information, knowledge, technology, culture, ideology, education and the various ‘takes’ on things that typify different communities. We must face these various global problems head on and work to create an international environment of more profound dialogue, both in terms of quantity and quality, between peoples of various nations and localities. This calls for full mutual expression of what we know, of what we can offer, and of the various factors that make us who we are.
Overcoming language barriers and expanding the field of our thinking means enhancing both the quality and the quantity of our understanding of the rest of the world, and achieving an accurate understanding of those who differ from us.
Mutual understanding on a global scale is paramount. There is no longer any excuse for ignorance, and all efforts must be made to enhance not only understanding of others, but others’ understanding of oneself. We look toward a more tolerant world where what is common to all, and close at hand, is focused on at the expense of what is considered different and distant.
While such a road is by no means a smooth one, I believe it is the only one that will lead us to a world that can achieve mutual understanding. This can only happen by resolutely facing the world’s various problems. The result will be a world in which the people of each country and locality can overcome the barriers of language and ways of thinking, can respect each other in the spirit of mutual understanding, and live as truly supranational citizens. Ultimately this means a world where ‘a thousand flowers bloom,’ and where everyone’s contribution is valued. There can be no greater happiness than to be able to contribute to the world’s diversity, no matter how faltering our steps towards such an ideal may be.
Teruhiko Ueda
CEO, WIP Group
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