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Inazo Nitobe

20quotes

Inazo Nitobe: A Life of Purpose and Service


Full Name and Common Aliases


Inazo Nitobe was born on January 9, 1862, in Morioka Domain (now Iwate Prefecture), Japan. His full name is commonly written as Ōkuma Shigenobu Inazō, but he is more widely known by his pen name, Inazo Nitobe.

Birth and Death Dates


January 9, 1862 – October 16, 1933

Nationality and Profession(s)


Japanese internationalist, educator, diplomat, and writer. Nitobe was a scholar of Western culture who sought to bridge the gap between East and West through his writings and actions.

Early Life and Background


Nitobe was born into a samurai family in northern Japan. His father, Inazō Nitobe, was a samurai from the Nitobe clan, which had served as vassals to the Date clan for generations. Despite being a member of a warrior class, young Inazo showed an early inclination towards literature and philosophy. He was educated at home by his parents and later attended Tokyo's Imperial University, where he studied English and philosophy.

Major Accomplishments


Nitobe's life was marked by a series of significant accomplishments that showcased his dedication to service and international understanding:

Diplomatic Career: Nitobe served as a diplomat for the Japanese government, participating in the country's foreign affairs during the early 20th century. He played a key role in negotiating Japan's entry into the League of Nations.
 Educator: Nitobe was an influential educator who believed that international understanding could be fostered through education. He taught at several institutions, including Tokyo Imperial University and Johns Hopkins University in the United States.
Writer: As a writer, Nitobe sought to introduce Western thought and culture to Japan, while also sharing aspects of Japanese culture with the world. His most famous work is "Bushido: The Soul of Japan," which explores the concept of Bushido (the way of the warrior) as a code of conduct.

Notable Works or Actions


Nitobe's writings and actions were characterized by their emphasis on international cooperation, peace, and mutual understanding:

"Bushido: The Soul of Japan": This book is considered Nitobe's magnum opus. In it, he examines the concept of Bushido as a moral guide for individuals in society.
"The Interdependence of Nations": Written in 1931, this work highlights Nitobe's commitment to international cooperation and peace.

Impact and Legacy


Nitobe's life had a lasting impact on both Japan and the world:

His diplomatic efforts helped establish Japan as a major player in international affairs.
As an educator, he contributed to the development of international understanding through education.
 Through his writings, Nitobe introduced Western thought to Japan and shared aspects of Japanese culture with the world.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Nitobe's quotes are widely remembered because they reflect his commitment to service, international cooperation, and peace. His words continue to inspire individuals around the world who seek to build a more harmonious global community:

"The ideal of Bushido is not merely to be strong, but to use one's strength for the protection of others." (From "Bushido: The Soul of Japan")
 "The world has become so small that we can no longer ignore each other." (From an unpublished manuscript)

Nitobe's life serves as a testament to the power of dedication, service, and international understanding. His legacy continues to inspire individuals around the world who seek to build a more harmonious global community.

Quotes by Inazo Nitobe

In the heat of battle he remains cool; in the midst of catastrophes he keeps level his mind.
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In the heat of battle he remains cool; in the midst of catastrophes he keeps level his mind.
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Courage is doing what is right.
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Courage is doing what is right.
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There are, if I may so say, three powerful spirits, which have from time to time, moved on the face of the waters, and given a predominant impulse to the moral sentiments and energies of mankind. These are the spirits of liberty, of religion, and of honor.” – HALLAM, Europe in the Middle Ages.
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There are, if I may so say, three powerful spirits, which have from time to time, moved on the face of the waters, and given a predominant impulse to the moral sentiments and energies of mankind. These are the spirits of liberty, of religion, and of honor.” – HALLAM, Europe in the Middle Ages.
IN
Human life has sorrow;” “They who meet must part;” “He that is born must die;.
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Human life has sorrow;” “They who meet must part;” “He that is born must die;.
IN
Indeed, valour and honour alike required that we should own as enemies in war only such as prove worthy of being friends in peace.
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Indeed, valour and honour alike required that we should own as enemies in war only such as prove worthy of being friends in peace.
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You are to be proud of your enemy; then, the success of your enemy is your success also.
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You are to be proud of your enemy; then, the success of your enemy is your success also.
IN
When the delicious perfume of the sakura quickens the morning air, as the sun in its course rises to illumine first the isles of the Far East, few sensations are more serenely exhilarating than to inhale, as it were, the very breath of beauteous day.
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When the delicious perfume of the sakura quickens the morning air, as the sun in its course rises to illumine first the isles of the Far East, few sensations are more serenely exhilarating than to inhale, as it were, the very breath of beauteous day.
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Tranquillity is courage in repose.
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Tranquillity is courage in repose.
IN
If there is anything to do, there is certainly a best way to do it, and the best way is both the most economical and the most graceful.
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If there is anything to do, there is certainly a best way to do it, and the best way is both the most economical and the most graceful.
IN
Knowledge becomes really such only when it is assimilated in the mind of the learner and shows in his character.
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Knowledge becomes really such only when it is assimilated in the mind of the learner and shows in his character.
IN
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