Page "Japanese values" Paragraph 13

According to Reischauer, " The cooperative, relativistic Japanese is not thought of as the bland product of a social conditioning that has worn off all individualistic corners, but rather as the product of firm inner self-control that has made him master of his ... anti-social instincts ... Social conformity ... is no sign of weakness but rather the proud, tempered product of inner strength.

" This mastery is achieved by overcoming hardship, through self-discipline, and through personal striving for a perfection that one knows is not possible but remains a worthy goal.

In this view, both the self and society can be improved, and in fact are interrelated because the ideal of selfhood, toward which many Japanese strive, is one in which consideration of others is paramount.

Whereas Americans attempt to cultivate a self that is unique, most Japanese place greater emphasis on cultivating " a self that can feel human in the company of others ," according to David W. Plath.

Maturity means both continuing to care about what others are thinking and feeling confident in one's ability to judge and act effectively, acknowledging social norms while remaining true to self.