The Path: The multi-million-copy Japanese guide to mindfulness, happiness and finding fulfilment
About this audiobook
The Path is a true Japanese phenomenon, a book of timeless wisdom that has sold 5.7 million copies, since its first publication in 1968.
Written by founder of Panasonic, Konosuke Matsushita – a tech leader who believed prosperity should be used to make a better life and kinder society for all – its relatable lessons on resilience, joy and calm remain astonishingly relevant today.
Matsushita's words are perfect to dip into for daily inspiration. Nestled among more than 120 pieces of relatable wisdom are takeaways like:
- Life and Work are a Journey, not a Destination
True fulfilment comes from continually striving to improve oneself and one’s environment. Success isn’t an end point but a path of growth, learning, and contributing to others.
- Face Each Day with Purpose and Enthusiasm
Every new day is a fresh start. Approaching each task – even seemingly small or mundane ones – with sincerity and energy builds character and happiness.
- Make Wise, Courageous Decisions
When confronted with important choices or adversity, be calm and thoughtful. Instead of being driven by fear or emotion, reflect instead on long-term impact and moral clarity.
- Perseverance and Resilience Matter
Cultivate persistence in the face of setbacks. True success requires resilience – viewing challenges as opportunities to strengthen resolve and deepen understanding.
- Prosperity Should Serve People and Society
Business isn’t just about profit. It’s about making people’s lives better and contributing to societal wellbeing.
Ranging from accepting adversity and practicing tolerance to cultivating a spirit of independence and learning from mistakes, this is accessible, compassionate advice for life and work that has stood the test of time.
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About the author
Konosuke Matsushita (1894–1989) was a Japanese industrialist and the founder of Panasonic. Beyond building one of Japan’s largest electronics companies, he became known as a major thinker on ethical capitalism and leadership philosophy. In 1946 he also founded the PHP Institute (Peace and Happiness through Prosperity) to promote social and moral reflection in postwar Japan. PHP stands for Peace and Happiness through Prosperity, reflecting Matsushita’s belief that economic prosperity should serve moral and social well-being.
The institute began as a think tank and magazine publisher focused on ethics, philosophy, leadership, and social development in postwar Japan. It later expanded into books across business, self-help, philosophy, and literature and remains an influential Japanese publisher today.
Matsushita is also the author of Japanese phenomenon The Path, which has sold 5.7 million copies since its first publication in 1968.
