Commencement Address for the 2005 Academic Year, Kochi University Graduate School
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you who have completed your graduate studies today and received your degrees, and I have high hopes for your future.
As graduate students, I believe you have come to understand that the process of conducting research—which involves identifying problems, devising plans to solve them, conducting experiments, analyzing the results from a contemporary perspective, and synthesizing these findings to present them to the world—is, in fact, a routine part of daily life.And now, you have been recognized as having acquired the competence and foundational skills not only to carry out this intellectual work on your own, without the support of your advisors, but also to guide the research of your juniors.
The 21st century—that is, your generation—is often referred to as the Age of Knowledge.
The Age of Knowledge is, quite simply, an era of intellectual endeavor. Japan’s ability to be recognized on the world stage and to contribute to the global advancement of humanity through the creation and development of Japanese knowledge would be impossible without your active participation. You are now standing at the threshold of such an era.
It is often said that many outstanding intellectual achievements have been based on “curiosity-driven research”—that is, research that begins with curiosity.It is of the utmost importance for intellectual work that curiosity—such as wondering “Why is that?”, finding something “strange,” or thinking it “interesting”—be aroused in your hearts when faced with the things and phenomena before you. No matter which path you choose to follow, it is essential that you continue to hold onto this simple curiosity. Please continue to retain the fresh hearts and keen sensibilities of young boys and girls forever.
One more thing: please remember to maintain an attitude of actively welcoming feedback from others, both to ensure your work isn’t based solely on your own judgment and to ensure that it contributes positively to society.
As you are all well aware, in recent years there have been countless instances where individuals who have received the most elite education in higher education have disrupted society precisely because they have forgotten this sense of humanity.
With the hope that you will actively embrace the opinions of others and firmly uphold the 21st century—your era—and Japan’s era of knowledge, I conclude my address as president.
Congratulations on your graduation.
March 23, 2006
Kochi University, a National University Corporation, President Yusuke Sagara