Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835–1901)
Greeting the New with Independence and Self-respect
Ink on paper, framed
Seals: Gata pishi nashi; Sanju Ikkoku jin; Fukuzawa Yukichi
34.5 x 127.3 cm
49.5 x 159 cm (overall)
Seals: Gata pishi nashi; Sanju Ikkoku jin; Fukuzawa Yukichi
34.5 x 127.3 cm
49.5 x 159 cm (overall)
Further images
Independence means to manage one’s own personal a airs and not to have a mind to depend upon others.
(An Encouragement of Learning)
He is called a man of independence and self-respect who preserves the independence of both mind and body,
and who pays respect to his person in a way calculated to maintain the dignity proper to man.
(“The Moral Code of Yukichi Fukuzawa”)
The words “Independence and Self-respect” sum up the foundation of Fukuzawa’s teaching. With the term “independence,” he proclaimed the principle of thinking for oneself to judge the rights and wrongs of issues, and working hard to get on in life. He deemed this necessary not only for Japan, which was released from its long period of national isolation, to be able to vie with the countries of Western Europe as a fully-fledged civilized nation, but also in order to realize what he considered to be the proper and innate essence of the human condition. The very phrase “Independence and Self-respect” were coined in Fukuzawa’s Moral Code, the code of ethics of Keio University, which he founded, and remain the university’s guiding principle to this day.
This work consists of large characters meaning “Greeting the new with independence and self-respect.” On New Year’s Eve of 1900, Fukuzawa, together with his students, launched the ‘Gathering to Welcome the Turn of the Century.’ At midnight, Fukuzawa is said to have written the calligraphy, “Greeting the New Century with Independence and Self-respect” in large script and shown it to those present. There are documents attesting to the fact that he repeatedly reconsidered and revised his ideas before arriving at the wording, “Greeting the New Century with Independence and Self-respect,” or maybe this work was indeed part of that thinking process. Fukuzawa passed away a month later in February 1901. The words here encapsulate the ethos, which he maintained to the very end of his life.
Fukuzawa Yukichi (thinker, educator; 1835−1901)
The second son of Fukuzawa Hyakusuke, a minor treasury official of the Nakatsu Domain in Buzen, the present Oita prefecture. Studied Western sciences through the Dutch language under Ogata Koan, and learned English later. Traveled to America and Europe and published the book Seiyo jijo (Conditions in the West), introducing the contemporary situations in the Western countries based on his own observation. Established Keio Gijuku, an innovative institution of Western learning that promote enlightenment, in Shiba-shinsenza, Tokyo. His book Gakumon no susume (An encouragement of learning) became a bestseller, for it argues for human equality and “Isshin-dokuritsu, ikkoku-dokuritsu” (National independence must follow from personal independence). Also founded the newspaper Jiji-shinpo (Current Issues), and published his opinions on political, current issues, social and female problems.
(An Encouragement of Learning)
He is called a man of independence and self-respect who preserves the independence of both mind and body,
and who pays respect to his person in a way calculated to maintain the dignity proper to man.
(“The Moral Code of Yukichi Fukuzawa”)
The words “Independence and Self-respect” sum up the foundation of Fukuzawa’s teaching. With the term “independence,” he proclaimed the principle of thinking for oneself to judge the rights and wrongs of issues, and working hard to get on in life. He deemed this necessary not only for Japan, which was released from its long period of national isolation, to be able to vie with the countries of Western Europe as a fully-fledged civilized nation, but also in order to realize what he considered to be the proper and innate essence of the human condition. The very phrase “Independence and Self-respect” were coined in Fukuzawa’s Moral Code, the code of ethics of Keio University, which he founded, and remain the university’s guiding principle to this day.
This work consists of large characters meaning “Greeting the new with independence and self-respect.” On New Year’s Eve of 1900, Fukuzawa, together with his students, launched the ‘Gathering to Welcome the Turn of the Century.’ At midnight, Fukuzawa is said to have written the calligraphy, “Greeting the New Century with Independence and Self-respect” in large script and shown it to those present. There are documents attesting to the fact that he repeatedly reconsidered and revised his ideas before arriving at the wording, “Greeting the New Century with Independence and Self-respect,” or maybe this work was indeed part of that thinking process. Fukuzawa passed away a month later in February 1901. The words here encapsulate the ethos, which he maintained to the very end of his life.
Fukuzawa Yukichi (thinker, educator; 1835−1901)
The second son of Fukuzawa Hyakusuke, a minor treasury official of the Nakatsu Domain in Buzen, the present Oita prefecture. Studied Western sciences through the Dutch language under Ogata Koan, and learned English later. Traveled to America and Europe and published the book Seiyo jijo (Conditions in the West), introducing the contemporary situations in the Western countries based on his own observation. Established Keio Gijuku, an innovative institution of Western learning that promote enlightenment, in Shiba-shinsenza, Tokyo. His book Gakumon no susume (An encouragement of learning) became a bestseller, for it argues for human equality and “Isshin-dokuritsu, ikkoku-dokuritsu” (National independence must follow from personal independence). Also founded the newspaper Jiji-shinpo (Current Issues), and published his opinions on political, current issues, social and female problems.