This blog is part of book review.
Recently I complete the reading of IKIGAI Written by the Spanish health and lifestyle authors; Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles, one of their many books on Japanese culture, Ikigai is a self-improvement book about finding meaning in life and how having a sense of purpose contributes to longevity.
There are some major points that I note during the reading :
1.Ikigai:
The Japanese Concept of a Meaningful Life.Ikigai translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning." It's the convergence of four primary elements:
What you love (Passion)W
hat the world needs (Mission)What you are good at (Vocation)
What you can be paid for (Profession)
Ikigai promotes a holistic approach to life that includes mindset, food, lifestyle, and thinking:
Mindset: Focus on mindfulness, living in the present, and finding joy in small, everyday moments.
Lifestyle: Simple living, engaging in moderate physical activities like walking or gardening.
Food: A balanced and plant-based diet, often including fermented foods like miso and fish rich in omega-3s.
Thinking: Prioritizing community, connection, and purposeful work, which brings satisfaction and contentment.
2. Yuval Noah Harari's Ideas
Harari, the author of Sapiens, Homo Deus, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, offers deep insights into:History of humanity: He emphasizes how human beings are unique due to their ability to create shared myths, including money, religion, and nations.Technology and AI: He warns of the rapid advancement of AI and its potential impact on jobs, ethics, and human existence.
3.Boredom and Distraction:
Harari mentions that humans have become addicted to constant stimulation and have lost the ability to sit with boredom, which was previously an essential part of life. He urges people to reclaim their ability to reflect and be bored as a way to achieve deeper insights and mindfulness.Resilience: Harari suggests that humans can build resilience through embracing uncertainty and recognizing their inherent adaptability.Boredom is often viewed negatively, but it has transformative potential:It encourages self-reflection and creativity. Many great ideas arise from moments of boredom.Modern society, with its focus on constant stimulation, has diminished our capacity for deep thinking.Being bored can reconnect us with our true desires, help us understand what genuinely drives us, and lead us towards our own Ikigai.
4. Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back after adversity. It's about:Mental toughness: Developing the strength to face challenges.Flexibility: Adapting to changing circumstances without breaking.Growth mindset: Viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.Connection: Strong social ties and community support play a crucial role in fostering resilience.
5. Antifragility
Coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, antifragility goes beyond resilience:While resilience refers to enduring and returning to a previous state after a shock, antifragility means thriving and growing stronger from stressors, shocks, and failures.Example: Biological systems (like muscles) get stronger after being stressed.Key principle: Embrace challenges, randomness, and uncertainty as sources of growth. Antifragile people and systems don’t just survive chaos—they improve because of it.
Conclusion: Integration of All Ideas
Ikigai gives a sense of purpose, providing a roadmap for a balanced life that promotes health and happiness.Harari’s insights remind us of the importance of understanding human nature, embracing boredom, and being aware of technological and societal shifts.Boredom encourages deeper thinking, reflection, and creativity, which are essential for finding Ikigai.Resilience helps us face challenges and recover, while antifragility pushes us to view these challenges as opportunities for growth, not just survival.Together, these concepts offer a blueprint for living a purposeful, balanced, and fulfilling life while navigating the complexities of modern existence.
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