When I studied at university, attending classes in the “liberal arts” was mandatory for the first two years. There was a wide variety of subjects to choose from, from English, German, chemistry, mathematics, and economics to Chinese history, Japanese literature, and Japanese linguistics. Most of them had nothing to do with my major (engineering), so I thought that taking them was a waste of time, and the university should teach us more practical techniques focusing on our major studies. I even thought I should go to a professional school because they might teach only the professional skills necessary for my future.

Nevertheless, I found out, when I had started my career and had some job experience, that culture would win in the end. Acquiring practical knowledge and skills related to jobs is, of course, a matter. Your worth is determined by how cultured and skilled you are. For example, in an English class, I read about Tristan and Isolde’s tragic love story, originally written by Gottfried von Strassburg and later set to music by Richard Wagner, in which a knight named Tristan fell in love with a king’s wife, Isolde, and they were ruined by their illicit love. When I attended the class, I suspected if the story could contribute to my future career. Still, now I know that it is common knowledge among general people, especially in the Western countries, and ignorance of it is regarded as uncultured.

Your culture is cultivated not by hard work but by play. Play is the space in which a mechanism moves or, in more comprehensive words, the emptiness in the activeness. It may seem like a waste, but it can sometimes broaden your horizons and deepen your insight. As it is often said that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, play is indispensable for everything. Who dares drive a car with a steering wheel with no play?

Play is important during vacation. Doing nothing is the right way to spend a vacation because the word “vacation” derives from “vacant,” which means empty. Wasting time is an extreme luxury. Many people, however, trying to make good use of holidays, go to crowded spots, resulting in getting more tired than before. In particular, Japanese people are so conscious of eliminating waste that they feel guilty about wasting time. They are so obliged to waste no time on holidays; their vacation, ironically, ends up wasting time and energy rather than saving them.

In the midst of your career, play sometimes helps guide you better. Studying a different field, seeing people do different types of business, and even meditating in your room would be useful, in addition to throwing yourself into your work. They are not directly related to your current work, but they may give you some hints for your future career.

There is nothing wasteful in your life in the long run. As long as you are alive, what you are doing is helpful in something, even goofing off in bed.