The Shade We May Never Sit In: Lessons in Purpose from Japan's Skilled Veterans Corps

“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” - Greek Proverb

This timeless Greek proverb beautifully encapsulates the essence of true purpose—one that transcends the self and is dedicated to the well-being of others. In a world increasingly focused on individual achievement and personal gain, it is easy to lose sight of the deeper, more fulfilling pursuit: contributing to the greater good of society. Purpose, when understood in its fullest sense, is about making commitments that benefit others, often without immediate or direct reward. It’s about planting those metaphorical trees, knowing that while you may never enjoy their shade, others will.

This profound concept of purpose is vividly brought to life by the remarkable story of the Skilled Veterans Corps in Japan. In the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, when much of the world watched in horror and helplessness, a group of over 200 Japanese pensioners made a selfless decision. These retirees, all over the age of 60, chose to volunteer for one of the most dangerous tasks imaginable: stabilising the Fukushima power station, where radiation levels remained perilously high.

Led by Yasuteru Yamada, a 72-year-old retired engineer, these elderly volunteers exemplified a level of selflessness and courage that is rare in today’s society. Mr. Yamada, who had spent his career solving complex engineering problems, now faced perhaps the most daunting challenge of his life. But this time, it was not about advancing his career or achieving personal goals. It was about something far greater—protecting the future generation and ensuring a safer future for all.

Logical and Selfless

The reasoning behind their decision was as logical as it was selfless. Mr. Yamada and his fellow volunteers reasoned that, at their age, the potential long-term effects of radiation exposure were less significant for them than for younger workers. “I am 72 and on average I probably have 13 to 15 years left to live,” Mr. Yamada explained. “Even if I were exposed to radiation, cancer could take 20 or 30 years or longer to develop. Therefore, us older ones have less chance of getting cancer.” In their minds, it only made sense that they should be the ones to face this danger, sparing the younger generation from the same risks.

Yet, the story of the Skilled Veterans Corps is about more than just logic. For this week's Thursday Thought, inspired by the most recent episode of The Innovation Show with William Damon, I felt this story is a powerful testament to the true meaning of purpose. Bill has dedicated his career to understanding how people develop purpose and moral commitment in their lives.

These retirees were not motivated by fame, fortune, or even recognition. They volunteered knowing that their actions would likely go unnoticed by the world at large, and that any immediate benefits would be felt by others, not themselves. Their purpose was clear: to serve the greater good, to protect the next generation, and to contribute to the rebuilding of their country in a time of crisis.

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

This selfless commitment is a stark contrast to the modern preoccupation with self. In a world where we are often conditioned to prioritise our own happiness, security, and success, the actions of the Skilled Veterans Corps serve as a reminder of the deeper, more lasting fulfilment that comes from serving others. When we focus too much on ourselves—our own happiness, our own safety—we can easily become trapped in a cycle of anxiety and dissatisfaction.

When we shift our focus outward, dedicating ourselves to something larger than our own needs, we find a sense of purpose that is both fulfilling and sustaining. This idea is echoed in Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, which begins with the powerful line, “It’s not about you.” Although Warren’s book is grounded in faith, the underlying principle is universal. Purpose is not about self-centred pursuits; it’s about what we can do for both ourselves and others. It’s about finding meaning in our contributions to the world, knowing that these contributions have a positive impact on others, even if we never see the results ourselves. The interesting thing you find is when you give more to the world, you receive more from the world.

The Skilled Veterans Corps reminds us that true purpose is found not in what we achieve for ourselves, but in what we do for others. Their actions demonstrate that when we move beyond our own concerns and dedicate ourselves to serving the greater good, we not only help to build a better world, but we also find a deeper sense of meaning in our own lives.

Yet, it’s important to remember that purpose doesn’t always have to involve heroic acts or grand gestures like those of these brave retirees. Finding purpose can be challenging, especially when you’re struggling to make ends meet. However, purpose can still be found in the small, everyday actions that bring a bit of joy or comfort to others.

Consider a story shared with me by Bill Damon during the latest episode of the Innovation Show. He recounted the experience of a young fast-food worker who initially saw his job as just a way to earn a paycheque. The worker was mentored by his manager, who encouraged him to think about the people who came into the restaurant—hardworking families who didn’t have much but who cherished these moments together. For these families, a simple meal with a small toy for their children was often the highlight of their day. The manager urged the young worker to see his role in a new light: as someone who could add a spark to these customers’ lives, making their day just a little bit brighter.

As this young man began to embrace this perspective, he found that his attitude toward work changed. He discovered a sense of purpose in his everyday interactions, realising that even in a job far from glamorous, he had the power to positively impact others. His story is a powerful reminder that purpose can be found anywhere—whether in a high-stakes environment like Fukushima or in a fast-food restaurant. It’s about how we choose to engage with the world around us, finding meaning in our contributions, no matter how small they may seem.

This sense of purpose is not just beneficial to society; it also has profound implications for individual well-being. In fact, studies highlights the potential dangers of losing purpose. A study in Science Direct reveals that American men’s death rate jumps by 2 percent right after they turn 62, with retirement being identified as a significant factor (For more on Purpose beyond retirement, Teresa Amabile has a forthcoming book on the topic). The sudden loss of daily structure, social engagement, and a sense of purpose can lead to a decline in both mental and physical health. This underscores the importance of finding purpose beyond one's professional life, something that the members of the Skilled Veterans Corps exemplify in their post-retirement years.

For Mr. Yamada and his fellow volunteers, purpose didn’t end with the closing of their professional chapters; it was merely redirected towards a cause greater than themselves. Their story is a powerful reminder that purpose doesn’t have to fade with age; in fact, it can grow even stronger, providing both personal fulfilment and a lasting impact on the world around us.

As Robert F. Kennedy said in 1968 of the closely related Gross National Product, "It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country; it measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile." The only person who can measure your purpose is you, but others can certainly feel it.

THANKS FOR READING

In the latest episode of The Innovation Show , we are joined by William Damon , world renowned researcher on purpose and author of?The Path to Purpose, to explore the vital role of purpose in shaping resilient and fulfilled lives. Bill shares insights from his extensive research, including collaborations with Howard Gardner and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and discusses how purpose influences various aspects of life—family, education, and work. He also reflects on his journey, offering practical advice for anyone interested in fostering a sense of purpose in themselves or others.