Cultivating the Axis of Beauty and Goodness Connected to Emotions

<This article was originally written by Kaori Nakano for the series of "Compass of Luxury".  ZERONII September 2023 issue,  Kitanippon Shimbun>

感情とつながる美や善の基軸を育てる中野香織｜北日本新聞webunプラス

In September, "Rugby School Japan" will open its doors in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture. This institution is a Japanese branch of the renowned Rugby School from the United Kingdom, where educators from around the world, including the UK, will gather to provide a comprehensive international education from the ages of 11 to 18.

I had the opportunity to make conversation with the chairman of this school, and he emphasized that their vision was not driven by a desire to change Japan or serve the nation.

He explained, "We aim to nurture individuals who are like unicorn eggs. Whether they soar in any direction, when a thousand deeply enriched individuals emerge, change will naturally transcend borders. In an unpredictable future, it's essential for each individual to possess integrity and networks. In times of instability, individuals can effect transformation."

These words resonate deeply with me. The New Luxury paradigm underscores the significance of fostering innate creativity within individuals. The philosophy of this school suggests that cultivating this trait from a young age will be pivotal for shaping future societal creativity.

Rugby School, where the game of rugby originated, was born when a student named Webb Ellis ran with the ball during a football (soccer) match. He did not break any rules since the rulebook didn't explicitly state, "You cannot touch the ball with your hands." He exploited a gap in the rules to embark on an adventurous act. This is an example of how innovation occurs. Imagine a world where more individuals can think flexibly, take proactive initiatives, and engage in such innovative thinking. In the chairman's words, these individuals are "not shy at a dance party but also reliable when the ship is sinking."

Sending forth individuals capable of making consistent judgments and taking actions in various situations gives rise to anticipation for a near future where they become companions to the world's rule-makers.

This school serves as an antithesis to the regimented military-style education that enforces conformity to a set of rules and prioritizes a single "correct answer." It also challenges the mass-produced "luxury" perpetuated by capitalists who strategically invest large amounts of capital, advocating for a new form of luxury that values regional identity, ethics, and humanity.

Now, the question arises: How can we foster individual initiative within families through education? I asked this question as well. For instance, visiting an art museum and engaging children in the profound inquiry of "Which one do you like?" can be a method to develop their ability to discern beauty and goodness directly connected to their emotions. Once they establish a foundation of beauty and goodness that aligns with their emotions, they can make proactive and consistent judgments in various situations.

For those who have experienced the discomfort of not knowing their preferences and asking, "What is popular?" when visiting a store, this insight may resonate deeply.

(photo of Rugby School from Creative Commons)