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mareddie profile image
Martin Mička

Yeah you summed it pretty well, and I mostly agree. There is no definite answer, but I think that the Ikigai concept is something that a lot of people in Western cultures are missing, and I think that it's the closest way to describe what success is.

The way our society paints a picture of success leaves a lot of people shallow and empty, lacking any meaning and chasing for money and social validation, instead of finding self contempt and spirituality.

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jmfayard profile image
Jean-Michel 🕵🏻‍♂️ Fayard

The definition of success is not common accross western cultures.
Roman catholic countries like mine - France - have a very different view, although being inside of it it would be difficult for me to describe it well.

 
mareddie profile image
Martin Mička

Exactly, what I'm trying to say is that everyone, in the context of culture and family and overall concepts how we view the world, everyone sees success differently.

The way I interpreted Ikigai was that it expresses this idea, that you should seek success as a being, not something the culture or society around you seeks or deems as "success".

 
jmfayard profile image
Jean-Michel 🕵🏻‍♂️ Fayard

Yep, I think we are both right. You can and shouuld take inspiration from the ikigai in your own life.

At the same time it's also almost the standard definition of "success" if you happen to be japanese.

My synthesis being that if you can understand 2-3 different visions, you are more likely to find the one right for you.