A peculiar phenomenon known as the “low-desire society” has taken hold in Japan, particularly among its youth. This trend is characterized by a collective shift away from traditional ambitions: people are less interested in promotions, buying homes or cars, investing, or even pursuing relationships and starting families. This societal shift towards stability, risk aversion, and simple routines is rooted in the country’s unique economic history.
The Economic Roots of Apathy
The current low-desire mindset is a direct consequence of Japan’s dramatic economic arc. After a post-WWII “economic miracle” of unprecedented growth, Japan experienced a massive asset bubble in the 1980s. When the bubble burst in the early 1990s, it triggered a catastrophic crash in the stock and real estate markets, wiping out vast amounts of wealth. This event ushered in the “Lost Decades,” a prolonged period of economic stagnation, flat wages, and deflation. The generation that grew up during this era internalized a deep-seated pessimism and risk aversion, learning that ambition often leads to frustration. They adapted to a reality where stability and saving cash seemed more prudent than chasing growth.
An Economic Problem vs. A Personal Philosophy
From a purely economic standpoint, a low-desire society is a significant problem. Economies are built on the fulfillment of desires; when people stop wanting to consume and invest, the entire system grinds to a halt. This is why traditional economic stimulus measures, like injecting cash into the economy, have failed in Japan—people simply save the money rather than spend it. However, from an individual’s perspective, the question is more complex. Is it truly a problem to have low desires? Many philosophical and spiritual traditions, from Socrates to Buddhism, view the reduction of desire not as a problem, but as a path to contentment and the absence of suffering.
The Key to Fulfillment: Authenticity, Not Amount
The video explores this tension through the story of Alexander the Great (a high-achiever who fulfilled immense desires) and Diogenes the Cynic (a minimalist who desired almost nothing). Instead of concluding that a “healthy medium” is best, the video argues that the crucial factor isn’t the amount of desire, but its authenticity. The core question becomes: is an individual’s low desire a conscious, authentic choice for a simpler, more content life (like Diogenes), or is it a passive state born from fear of failure, low self-esteem, or social conditioning? The former is a valid and potentially virtuous path. The latter is a personal problem, as it involves suppressing one’s true potential and desires, leading to unfulfillment.
Conclusion: The Courage to Be Yourself
Ultimately, the challenge for anyone, whether in a low-desire society or not, is threefold: the self-awareness to know what you authentically want, the wisdom to decide what to do about it, and the courage to act. The video concludes that whether one’s path is one of great ambition or simple contentment, the journey is only a mistake if it’s inauthentic, or if one fails to start it at all.
Mentoring question
Reflecting on your own goals and lifestyle choices, are they an authentic expression of who you are, or are they a response to external expectations, social conditioning, or a fear of failure?
Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Koow0Q6EiXU&si=e2gYe5oMRULlmYNa
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