5 Ways to Live: Masanobu Fukuoka
“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”
- M. Fukuoka
Masanobu Fukuoka was a Japanese farmer and philosopher who developed a natural farming method that emphasizes minimal intervention and working in harmony with nature. His teachings are practical and deeply philosophical and can be applied to modern lifestyle choices in several ways.
Minimalism: Fukuoka advocated for a simple and minimalist lifestyle, free from excessive material possessions and distractions. This idea can be applied to modern life by choosing to live with less, focusing on what is truly important, and reducing clutter and stress. Pay attention to what you pay attention to and disregard that which only acts as a distraction.
Sustainable living: Fukuoka's natural farming method emphasizes working with nature to produce food without relying on synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or tillage. This idea can be applied to modern living by choosing products that are sustainable, organic, seasonal to your local area and environmentally friendly. As a side note, Fukuoka himself didn’t agree with overpricing ‘organic’ food, resisting the label altogether. Instead, he proposed, what we call organic is in fact real food and it is chemically produced food that should be labelled accordingly.
Mindfulness: Fukuoka believed in observing and connecting with nature to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. This idea can be applied to modern life by taking the time to be present and mindful, specifically, paying attention to the natural world. Whilst it is important to be mindful of oneself (regarding our impact on the natural world), more can be learned about the world outside than within. Doing so will often reveal more about the world within too.
Slow food movement: Fukuoka was a proponent of slow food, where food is grown, prepared, and consumed in a mindful and intentional way. This idea can be applied to modern life by choosing to eat locally-grown, seasonal food, cooking at home, and taking the time to enjoy meals with others.
Community building: Fukuoka's natural farming method emphasized the importance of community and working together for the common good. This idea can be applied to modern life by volunteering, participating in community events, and connecting with others in meaningful ways.
In conclusion, the teachings of Masanobu Fukuoka offer valuable insights into a simpler, more mindful, and sustainable way of living. By incorporating these principles into our modern lifestyles, we can live in greater harmony with nature and each other, while reducing our impact on the environment, and living better quality, more beautiful lives. For more information, read Fukuoka’s book: One Straw Revolution.