Commencement Address for the 2007 Kochi University Graduate School Graduation Ceremony
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 intellectual work such as identifying research questions, devising plans to solve problems, 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 academic life.
And now you have been recognized as having acquired the fundamental ability not only to carry out this intellectual work on your own, without the support of your supervisors, but also to guide the research of your juniors.
The 21st century—that is, your generation—is often referred to as the Age of Wisdom.
The Age of Wisdom is, quite simply, an era of intellectual endeavor. Japan’s intellectual creativity and development—which earn our nation global recognition and contribute to the advancement of humanity on a global scale—could not exist 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 “mysterious,” or thinking “That’s 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: to ensure that your work does not become overly subjective and that it contributes positively to society, please remember to maintain an attitude of actively welcoming feedback from others.
As you are no doubt well aware, in recent years there have been countless examples of individuals who received the most elite higher education disrupting society simply because they had forgotten the fundamental human virtue of humility.
I conclude my address as president with the earnest hope that, while actively embracing the evaluations of others without succumbing to frivolity, you will use the knowledge and skills you have acquired to pioneer and sustain the 21st century—your era—and an era of intellectual excellence in Japan, as true elites.
Congratulations on your graduation.
March 24, 2008
Kochi University, a National University Corporation, President Yusuke Sagara