The two authors first met in Tokyo in February 2003, and on their second meeting, in 2007, agreed to collaborate on a dialogue. They continued their exchange through correspondence, and their exchanges were serialized in the monthly Japanese women’s magazine Pumpkin from June 2008 to October 2009. These discussions were ultimately compiled in the book published in Japanese in 2011, and in English in 2012.
Dr. Lou Marinoff, originally from Canada, currently serves as professor of philosophy and professor of Asian studies at The City College of New York. A pioneer of “philosophical counseling,” he applies the approaches philosophical traditions from around the world to everyday challenges. He is the founding president of APPA and founding editor of its journal Philosophical Practice. His books include several international bestsellers such as Plato Not Prozac!, Therapy for the Sane, The Middle Way, and The Power of Dao.
Dr. Marinoff and Mr. Ikeda conversing (Hachioji, Tokyo, March 2007)
In their dialogue, Mr. Ikeda emphasizes that in the face of adversity,
the strength to overcome helplessness and unlock human potential lies in a
deep-seated optimism—an elevated spirit rooted in a commitment to the happiness
of others and the betterment of society.
Referring to a quote by Helen Keller—who believed that true
optimism is not about ignoring evil but about believing in the power of good
and actively working to help it prevail—he states:
“The common element in the lives of all the world’s most admirable people is that they are sustained by a passionate commitment to the happiness of others and to making a positive contribution to society. I am convinced that this noble spirit is the source of the robust optimism they exemplify in their lives for overcoming all difficulties.”
Dr. Marinoff concurs:
“All people can make a significant difference for the better, especially when they align their positive energies with one another. Let me add that every human being can instantly be considered admirable whenever he or she makes any effort to ‘cooperate with the good.’ Dire problems confronting the world demand that we increase our supply of optimism in order that goodness may prevail.”
