Words of Wisdom from Faculty Deans
Fri, Mar 31, 2017The senior deans from each faculty dedicate these words of wisdom to the graduating class. Follow your heart and embrace what life has to offer!
“Heart is won by heart. Fame is not an issue.”
Koichi Suga, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Economics
People are moved by passion, which inspires them to find their own path in life. By focusing on fame and praise, you may struggle to discover your true calling. I look forward to Waseda graduates by meeting inspirational people, learning who they are, and making a difference in the world.
“It’s better to be different and chic than #1 and boorish.”
Yoshiki Kurumisawa, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Law
Don’t let yourself be swayed by the yardstick of one fleeting moment. Instead, aspire to be timelessly unique and sophisticated!
“Little and often makes a heap in time.”
Yasushi Oyabu, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Aim high, but start by building the foundation. Sustained efforts in doing little things lead to great results. Go about your daily work with sincerity and care.
“Convictions are more dangerous foes of truth than lies.” – F.W.Nietzsche
Naoki Matsumoto, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences
Whenever you feel embarrassed about a past mistake, that means you have grown as an individual. There is no personal growth for those who stay inside their shell of self-centered convictions. Such convictions can disrupt public order, even lead to war. Persistent reflection is the way to live life.
“Have a healthy attitude of criticism and skepticism.”
Makoto Fujita, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Commerce
Birth of President Trump illustrates the reaction against globalization. The world is constantly changing, so I ask Waseda graduates to shape their own unique perspectives on society and life with healthy criticism and skepticism.
“Onward, to the frontlines of science and society!”
Atsushi Takeuchi, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering
Take your knowledge and skills of scientific, logical thinking honed at Waseda, and challenge yourselves at the frontlines. To unlock the bright future which lies ahead, be passionate and dream big!
“Inscrutable are the ways of heaven.”
Mitsuru Yamada, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences
This proverb implies that life’s fortunes are unpredictable and constantly changing. The international society has reached a turning point, and nobody can tell what the future holds. This is why I urge you to face difficulties with determination, see the possibilities and grasp the opportunities.
“Relationships don’t just happen. You have to create them.”
Hiroshi Fujimoto, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences
A teacher whom I respect said this when I was a graduate student. It is easy to say that something is not your business. However, when you look at things through your own lens and relating them together, your world expands.
“It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us.”
Jun Tsuchiya, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences
From Viktor E. Frankl’s famous book, “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Don’t just expect life to be handed to you, but always be yourself and earnestly search for answers to the questions life poses. Good luck!
To thine own self be true
Adrian Pinnington, Senior Dean of the Faculty of International Research and Education
From William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” The most important skill you have gained during your time at Waseda is the ability to objectively evaluate things through independent thinking. In order to protect democracy, each and every citizen must deliberate the fate of this world and not be swayed by public opinions presented by the media. Please stay true to yourself.
“All evil springs from loneliness.”
Yoshiaki Akasaka, Principal of the Art and Architecture School
A quote from Kiyoshi Miki, a Japanese philosopher who studied under Martin Heidegger. Miki was a victim of political oppression and died in prison just after the war. In a society overloaded with information, we are facing a crisis of our thoughts becoming superficial and homogeneous. Solitude is what deepens our contemplation and senses. Let’s restore individuality to touch others and enhance creativity.
