I don’t think I can express my feeling precisely. But, I would say something.
When I was Ph.D. student, I was always worrying about my future. As I wrote here before, Japan is one of the hardest countries to get Science Ph.D. in the world. Japanese Companies need fresh undergraduate student and train by themselves. Academic positions are not many. I borrowed scholarships and payed life expense and tuition. I didn’t have any confidence at all. I drank too much sometimes. I read a lot of book, Philosophy, classics, self-help and so on. I was trying to find answer what is purpose of my life. Finally, I could get Ph.D. thanks to a lot of Scientist. And, I realized.
My purpose in my life is “Improving my character”. That’s all.
The point is contribution. Contribution to society, physics, partner, family whatever, I do every my action to improve my character.
This thought may be similar with Buddhism, but clearly different from Christianity. It seems to be easy at first, because of its simplicity, but it is hard. Because sometimes, it is hard to tell which is correct way to improve my character.
Because I am Japanese, I think Japan is the greatest country. But there are also tons of problems. Japan is the greatest because my ancestors were great. We should keep our standard, which is not easy. The reason why I came the U.S. is building my career and widening the way of my thinking in different culture. You can recognize the distance between you and object because you have two eyes.
I have not decided yet whether or not I will be back to Japan, but I am always thinking about Japan, how to contribute to Japan, how to contribute to the world as a Japanese. I can explain you about Japan. I am looking forward seeing you Japan. And I can’t wait to see you in the U.S.
Thanks,