The Purpose of Life: Leaving a Legacy of Sound Ideals and Beliefs

The Purpose of Life: Leaving a Legacy of Sound Ideals and Beliefs

What is the reason for our existence? This question has puzzled humanity for ages, with philosophers, theologians, and scientists all presenting their own theories. In an article titled "人はなぜ生きるのか？（遺物論編）" by Kazuki Nakayashiki, the author suggests that the ultimate purpose of life is to leave behind a legacy of sound ideals and beliefs. According to Nakayashiki, everything about us is manifested through our words and actions, and it is only through these that we can be truly understood and received by others. Without a sense of purpose or goals, our words and actions would have no substance. It is through acquiring knowledge and understanding that we become aware of our shortcomings and areas for improvement, leading to the development of our will and goals.

Nakayashiki emphasizes the importance of learning from the experiences of others and not solely relying on our own. While fools may limit themselves to their own experiences, wise individuals draw wisdom from the experiences of others, including historical events. Whether one believes in God, heaven, or a specific doctrine is not the central issue. What truly matters is the preservation of a sound conscience through our thoughts, beliefs, and faith. If our beliefs are not deeply rooted within us, they will not be reflected in our actions. However, if we sincerely hold these beliefs, they will naturally be manifested through our behavior.

If the purpose of human existence is to leave behind a legacy of sound ideals and beliefs, then it is essential to uphold these principles in all circumstances. We must continually develop our knowledge with a spirit of love and compassion, confronting the challenges of the world with determination and a strong will to find solutions.

Reflecting on this perspective, we can find commonalities with the insights shared in an article titled "11 Things I’ve learned from running a micro VC in the last year." The author highlights the high failure rate of VC funds, with approximately 9 out of 10 funds failing to achieve even a 1x return. This parallels Nakayashiki's emphasis on the importance of learning from the experiences of others. By studying the successes and failures of previous ventures, we can gain valuable insights that can guide us in our own endeavors.

The author also advises aspiring micro VC fund managers to conduct thorough research and seek advice from at least 10 micro VCs before embarking on this path. This aligns with Nakayashiki's call to learn from the experiences of others. By seeking guidance from those who have already walked the path we wish to traverse, we can avoid common pitfalls and make more informed decisions.

Furthermore, the financial aspect of running a micro VC fund is addressed in the article. The author emphasizes the need for a solid financial situation, as most of the fund's capital should be used for investments rather than personal expenses. This echoes Nakayashiki's assertion that our beliefs must be deeply rooted within us, as the commitment to a micro VC fund requires sacrifices, both in terms of salary and limitations on other income-generating activities. The author's personal experience demonstrates that running a micro VC fund often involves minimal salaries, comparable to early-career earnings from many years ago.

In addition, the article highlights the importance of investing in one's own fund, with fund managers typically investing 1-5% of the fund size. This demonstrates a commitment to their own beliefs and principles, aligning with Nakayashiki's emphasis on the need for truly holding and embodying our convictions.

To conclude, the purpose of life, as suggested by Nakayashiki, is to leave behind a legacy of sound ideals and beliefs. This concept resonates with the insights shared in the article about running a micro VC fund. By learning from the experiences of others, conducting thorough research, and making personal sacrifices, we can strive to achieve our goals and leave a lasting impact. To implement these ideas, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Seek guidance from experienced individuals: Before embarking on any endeavor, learn from those who have already walked the path you wish to take. Seek advice from experts in the field to gain valuable insights and avoid common pitfalls.

2. Conduct thorough research: Take the time to deeply understand the industry or field you are entering. Learn from both the successes and failures of others to make informed decisions and increase your chances of success.

3. Embody your beliefs through actions: It is not enough to simply hold beliefs; they must be reflected in our behavior. Strive to align your actions with your ideals and principles, even in the face of challenges and adversity.

By incorporating these actionable steps into our lives, we can work towards leaving a legacy of sound ideals and beliefs, contributing to the betterment of future generations.