B1 · 2,767 words · English

Ikigai

Hector Garcia Puigcerver and Francesc Miralles

The concept of ikigai, stemming from the Japanese philosophy of finding one's unique purpose, encapsulates the pursuit of fulfillment through the intersection of passion, profession, vocation, and mission. Originating from Okinawa, known for its residents' longevity, ikigai is deeply integrated into daily living, emphasizing a balanced lifestyle that includes strong community ties, regular physical activity, and a purpose-driven existence. This philosophy not only contributes to personal well-being and happiness but also offers a blueprint for living a meaningful and prolonged life. By encouraging individuals to discover and pursue their ikigai, the narrative highlights a pathway to a life filled with joy, purpose, and contentment, advocating for continuous self-reflection, adaptability, and the importance of integrating one's passions and skills with societal needs and personal fulfillment.

Get started

Words you’ll meet

The words readers of this text looked up most, each with its meaning and the line it comes from.

enhances / ɪnˈhænsɪz /verb

To increase or improve the quality, value, or extent of something

Regular exercise enhances cardiovascular health.

improveboostaugment

delving / ˈdɛlvɪŋ /verb

To go more deeply into a subject, topic, or area of study, often for investigation or research

Delving deeper into the Okinawan way of life, the authors uncover that ikigai is not merely an abstract concept.

emphasizes / ˈemfəsaɪz /verb

to give particular importance or attention to something

The book emphasizes the importance of relationships.

highlightstressunderline

confluence / ˈkɑːnfluəns /noun

a place where two or more things merge or flow together

the confluence of the rivers

convergencemeeting pointjuncture

fulfilled / fʊlˈfɪld /adjective

feeling happy and satisfied that you are doing something useful or important

a fulfilled life

contentsatisfied

abstract / ˈæbstrækt /adjective

existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence

not merely an abstract concept

conceptualtheoreticalnon-concreteideal

lies / laɪz /verb

To be in or stay in a particular state or position

The book lies on the table.

resideexistbe situated

encapsulated / ɪnˈkæpsjuleɪtɪd /verb

contained or included within something as if in a capsule

The values encapsulated in their code of ethics were integrity, respect, and responsibility.

embodiedexpressed

communal / kəˈmjuːnəl /adjective

Relating to or belonging to all the people living in a particular country or area

Acts of kindness and generosity, listening attentively, and expressing gratitude are all practices that strengthen bonds and contribute to a sense of communal ikigai.

collectiveshared

happiness / ˈhæpinəs /noun

The state of being happy

This is because humans are inherently social beings, and our interactions with others can greatly influence our well-being and happiness.

joycontentmentwell-being

compensated / ˈkɑːmpənseɪt /verb

To give someone money or something else of value in exchange for work, goods, or services

She was compensated for her injuries.

reimburserepayremunerate

purposeful / ˈpɜːrpəsfəl /adjective

having a clear aim or function; serving a useful purpose

a purposeful life