“10 Things to Learn from Japan” A Lesson for the World

The calm, dignity, grace, order, self-sacrifice, ability, tenderness, consciousness and media restraint so evident these past weeks in Japan, as its people survive and rebuilt their society after the massive earthquake and tsunami, presents a valuable lesson to the world.
YESTERDAY, I received an email that seems to be making the rounds which is, deservedly, complimentary of the remarkable composure demonstrated by the Japanese in their time of great trial and tribulation.
I post this email below, which is said to be, but has not been confirmed to originate from SkyNews.
But first my spin…
I hope it’s not shocking to you that I suggest that our culture, society and people in America would not influence similar behavior should we face a similar situation.
That our society is not as orderly as Japan’s (and has a lot more guns) is yet another reason that people should do the minimum to prepare for, shall we say, a disruption in normal services that underpin our comfort, safety and survival.
Store a few days of non-perishable food, water, medicine, etc. Read more about this beginning with my post called, Japan Tsunami Creates Health Concerns… Are You Prepared?
10 Things to Learn from Japan
1. THE CALM
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.
2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture. Their patience is admirable and praiseworthy.
3. THE ABILITY
The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.
4. THE GRACE (Selflessness)
People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.
5. THE ORDER
No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.
6. THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?
7. THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.
8. THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.
9. THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage. Most of all – NO POLITICIANS TRYING TO GET CHEAP MILEAGE. (Indian politicos are you listening?)
10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly.
With their country in the midst of a colossal disaster – The Japanese citizens can teach plenty of lessons to the world.
Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Joe Garma