The work ethic in America always seems to factor in a break of some sorts. When I worked at Target, I was given two fifteen minute breaks and a half an hour lunch. At Starbucks I get one ten minute break and one half an hour (shifts over 6 hours). However, the idea of gamabari seems to be the direct opposite. "The Japanese are often said to be diligent, sometimes to the point of being workaholic" (Page 83). The term gamabari means more or less to work diligently and to do your best and to hang on. This can lead to negative effects, though, as the quote "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" is an American saying which basically means to take a break and gather energy to finish your work.
In Japan, the equivalent opposite is "The monk who does not work should not eat", which means if you don't put the work in, you shouldn't reap any rewards or benefits. Free time is a concept widely known upon American culture, mainly in college students who require free time to recuperate after an exam or several blog writings. The Japanese on the other hand "tend to think that having free time is wasteful, even shameful, and feel uneasy" (Page 85). In our American culture, we are diligent, but to a certain degree. A recent trend, named karoshi, or literally worked to death, results from gamabari.
Being humble and showing humility is something I always pride myself on. It builds respectful character and helps one to keep on going. The saying, "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down" is a prime example of showing modesty; "it is desirable to be modest and polite,even when one is more mature, experienced, and refined than others (Page 143).
In Japan, the equivalent opposite is "The monk who does not work should not eat", which means if you don't put the work in, you shouldn't reap any rewards or benefits. Free time is a concept widely known upon American culture, mainly in college students who require free time to recuperate after an exam or several blog writings. The Japanese on the other hand "tend to think that having free time is wasteful, even shameful, and feel uneasy" (Page 85). In our American culture, we are diligent, but to a certain degree. A recent trend, named karoshi, or literally worked to death, results from gamabari.
Being humble and showing humility is something I always pride myself on. It builds respectful character and helps one to keep on going. The saying, "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down" is a prime example of showing modesty; "it is desirable to be modest and polite,even when one is more mature, experienced, and refined than others (Page 143).
Amaeru (from amae), means to depend and presume upon another's benevolence. Depending on another's will to do good, in other words. Due to this, the sense of guilt in the Japanese way of life is much less, due to looking to others to do well. Lead by example.
Honne to Tatemae is relative to the uchi/soto concept in terms of an inner and outward expression of one's beliefs. Honne is an inner motivation and intention while tatemae entertains the motivations and intentions that are molded and shaped by the majority norms. Honne could be compared to one's intuition or "gut feeling", but the Japanese tend to follow the tatemae way due to the need and desire to maintain the ie and a quarrel-free lifestyle.
Honne to Tatemae is relative to the uchi/soto concept in terms of an inner and outward expression of one's beliefs. Honne is an inner motivation and intention while tatemae entertains the motivations and intentions that are molded and shaped by the majority norms. Honne could be compared to one's intuition or "gut feeling", but the Japanese tend to follow the tatemae way due to the need and desire to maintain the ie and a quarrel-free lifestyle.
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