Three stories The stupid girl Jesse Owen A Japanese businessman .

Daisaku Ikeda - No art or learning is to be pursued half-heartedly, but each has its professional teachers, and any art worth learning will certainly reward more or less generously the effort made to study it. . Why do we study? . Even if we chase after good schools and good jobs, there is no guarantee that you ll be happy if you get them. If one s sole reason for living is to have an easy existence, then there s no necessity for one to make such arduous efforts to get into a good school or good company. . Actually, when all is said and done, the purpose of study is not to be accepted into a prestigious university. It is to cultivate your mind and your heart so that you can become a well-rounded individual and leave some proof of your existence in this world. Proud missionThe proud mission of those who have been able to receive education must be to serve, in seen and unseen ways, the lives of those who have not had this opportunity. . Modes of living

   

Plant-like behavior Animal-like behavior Individual behavior Social behavior

Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871-1944) . Victory in lifeVictory in life is not determined by whether or not you have money. There are plenty of people who have money but are crooked and corrupt. Important is one s heart and having the wisdom to live a valuable and contributive life. Daisaku Ikeda . On the importance of reading good books Encountering a good book is like encountering a great teacher. Reading is a privilege only human beings are endowed with; no other living creature on this planet has the same capacity. Reading gives you free and unlimited access to the treasures of the human spirit from all ages and all parts of the world. . One who knows this possesses unsurpassed wealth. It s like owning countless banks from which you can make unlimited withdrawals. . On friendship Friendship is not about personal gain or status, nor is it about strategy or superficial interaction. It is a relationship built on the genuine sincerity of those parties involved. Friendship is the most beautiful, most powerful and most valuable treasure in life. It is your true wealth. No matter how much status people may gain or how rich they may become, a life without friends leads to an unbalanced, self-centered existence. Daisaku Ikeda . On Gratitude to one s parents All your schooling and education is meaningless if you fail to appreciate your parents or understand their hearts. It would amount to nothing more than a superficial faade of an education, and empty education.