"It's not about individual points, but about the line they form."

Hello.
This is Aoyagi.

It's finally getting warmer.

As someone who struggles in the cold, I couldn't be happier.


This week's column is about a memorable quote from a book I recently read.


The quote is: "Life is not a series of dots; it's a line."





The fact that this quote resonated with me probably means I've lived a bit. (laughs)

It also appears in Steve Jobs' famous speech.

As I've gotten older, I've gradually come to understand the weight of those words.


There have been things that went well, and things that were detours.

In fact, the events I would call "failures" or "setbacks" often seem to have been more important in hindsight.


Things I didn't understand at the time have increasingly clicked into place five, ten, or even decades later, making me think, "Ah, so that's what it was."


For instance, in my school days, I wasn't particularly studious; I just enjoyed what I loved, however I liked.

It's a blessing that my passion has led me to my current job.


Also, there was a time in my younger years when I worked part-time in a kitchen, and now, I think that experience is why I can cook for my children when my wife is away.

Though I don't make anything fancy. (laughs)


This, too, was a moment when dots connected to form a line.





I believe the richness of life changes depending on whether you let events remain "dots" in isolation or turn them into "lines."


Things you think, "There's no point in doing this,"
And things you feel are "a waste of time,"


At this age, I've realized it's better to find purpose and enjoyment in them, thinking, "Maybe they'll connect to something someday."


I wish I could tell my past self that. (laughs)


If you're going to do it, do it with all your might, without cutting corners.

Every experience connects to something.


Thinking this way has helped me lead a more fulfilling life.

I know I've said it many times, but these are the words of an older person. (laughs)


But well, I am getting older, and I want to enjoy every day to the fullest, thinking of it as material for my future self.

If possible, I want to make sure I place "dots" today that will become "lines."