The remarkable Japanese mathematician Dairoku Kikuchi (1855-1917) was educated out of his country. As he studied in England, at the University of Cambridge, he was the first of his class – until the time when he had to spend a long period at hospital. 

The other students, bothered because a foreigner had the best grades, met with their colleague Brown, which grades were the second best. ‘That is your chance!’, they told him. ‘Kikuchi is ill and he cannot attend classes and make notes, so, you shall defend your British honor and be the first in class!’ 

Kikuchi recovered and took the final exams. When the half-year grades were disclosed, his name was in first place, and Brown was the second. As he saw that, Brown spoke to himself, pleased: ‘I did save the British honor’. 

Actually, he had gone visiting Kikuchi at hospital every day and took him class notes. 

(Kentetsu Takamori, author of the book ‘Why do we live?’)

In a world that people wish bad things for other people so often and are satisfied with their so-called friend failure, this episode experienced by the Japanese mathematician Kikuchi is an inspiring example for our life.

This kind of behaviour, of true solidarity, kindness and friendship, is what we need to value and practice daily. Even in the smallest actions we practice. If we do our part, the world shall surely be better, and people shall live happier lives. 

On ITIMAN website we provide other texts and articles that introduce a more humane look towards people and life, with a touch of Buddhist philosophy and thoughts.