The Greatest Good

Japanese Emperor of that time, Hirohito, gave a clear-cut direction to his nation. He said in one of his broadcasts just after World War II: “We have to endure the unendurable so that we may be able to reconstruct our nation in the post-World War period.” Now, it is generally accepted that the result of this policy has been miraculous, and for now, Japan has emerged as an economic superpower in the present world. The same holds for individuals. A certain banker of my acquaintance, who was in a senior position in an international bank, had a heated exchange with his immediate superior. He was so upset by this incident that he resigned from his post. But what was the result? He is now unemployed and living in a state of frustration. Another acquaintance of mine, who was also in a senior position in a bank, had a similar problem with a more senior executive, and he wanted my advice. I told him my advice was based on a four-point formula: first, adjustment; second, adjustment, adjustment; and, lastly again, adjustment. He took my advice, and now he is very happy with his job. What is the difference between the concept of justice and the concept of adjustment? The difference is that obtaining justice, having to be effected on a bilateral basis, becomes a very difficult task, while adjustment, being a unilateral matter, can be instantly achieved. In the case of injustice, when some other party is behaving unfairly towards you, justice becomes a thorny issue between the two rival parties. In the quest for justice, demands and protests will naturally be made; a confrontation ensues, and sometimes