Customer Reviews

A Passion for Success: Practical, Inspirational, and Spiritual Insight from Japan's Leading Entrepreneur

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Kazuo Inamori's book is highly inspirational in its evocation of "passion" as the underpinning driver of success in life. In all fields of social endeavour, it is the most passionate individuals who stand out, and ultimately achieve success. We see this in the sporting arena (Muhammad Ali, Leyton Hewitt), in business (Richard Branson, Jack Welsh), and in politics.

Inamori's book is divided up into two parts. Part one provides a series of insights on "How to Succeed in Life", covering the following key areas: ability, effort, attitude, and success. His central thesis is that success = effort x ability x attitude. Most of us tend to see success as the result of effort and ability, but overlook the power of maintaining a positive attitude. Inamori urges the reader not to overlook the immense power that a positive attitude can have, both in terms of attracting support for our goals, and in terms of building and maintaining our own self esteem.

The second part of this book focuses on "How to Succeed in Business" and covers the following eight areas; passion, profit, ambition, sincerity, strength, innovation, optimism, and 'never give up'.

Above all else, this book contains genuine bursts of insight that will enrich the perspective of most readers. Unlike so many self-help products that promise the earth and deliver disappointment, this book is as close as the thinking person will get to "the real deal".

I would put this book on the same shelf with "The Witch Doctors" by Micklethwait & Wooldridge, and "Dangerous Company" by O'Shea & Madigan - all of these are excellent business books, and stand out as unique and valuable contributions to our understanding of the meaning of success in today's modern world of work.

I bought this book back in 1995, and after much reflection and numerous business/leadership books, I must say Mr. Inamori is still in a class of his own. Though he teaches seemingly oversimplified concepts, it is indeed the correct concepts--if there is such a thing. Correct, for example, in that you can leave the world knowing your grandchildren will be proud that you existed. If you're familiar with Maslow hierarchy of needs: when you're reading this book, you will have no doubt that the author is at or above the self actualization stage, which I must say 90% of all the so called gurus of business don't seem to be in. The concept that you should speak from your heart, not implementing certain "techniques" in public speaking rings true for me personally. I'm grateful for such a gift from Mr. Inamori.

I've never written one of these reviews, but this is one of the treasured books in my library. I've owned it since it came out and continually refer to it for advice and council. I have also given it to many customers. Kyocera's website is also an inspiring to place to see how Mr. Inamori put his philosophy to work to bring a legacy of business success worldwide. His people-practices would change the world if practiced.

This is a great book! Whether you read it straight through for the inspiration or read a section a day (usually only a page in length) as a meditation guide, just read it and absorb it. Give it to your boss, give it to your customers, give it to your peers, give it to your team members, even give it to your family. All will be better for it.

Kazuo Inamori, the founder of Kyocera, puts forth his philosophy on success in business and life in this book. One thing that you'll notice is that he takes an almost religious approach to work, and believes that one can find true happiness through work. At the same time, he realizes that work can be a real struggle, so he gives good advice for pulling through those difficult times at work. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to look at success in business through other means than money. It will help you see how you can gain self fulfillment through your work.

I had worked for Kyocera that Dr.Inamori founded.
This company lays too much emphasis on the domestic relationships with customers.
I'm afraid this truth might not be so familiar with US business people, just I'd
like to confess I'm now suspicious about Kyocera for the recall problem of Toyota
new cars in US.

Kyocera employees are forced to believe that Dr.Inamori is God, and anybodies
employeed who are skeptical about his authority are very pressed by this organization
mentally and physically, as a result this company shows several times rate of
self-suiciders as Japan, alreday showing over 10 years row of over 30 thousands
worst nation among advanced countries over the world!

I know quality of electronic component products manufactured by Kyocera is
"extremely" miserable so that automation company never want to adopt Kyocera
components. Recently Dr.Inamori has too much close connection with Japan cabinet
based upon DPJ as you might know. And also he has become CEO at JAL though, he's
very new to transportation industry.

Components' defects are always dealt very unclear so then we must carefully look
at the situation not as infants but as matured adults.
This is a caution from Japan alarming not to allow unfair activities of him.

****

In addition after 311 earthquake and nuclear incident, as I heard Inamori-san has
said to his guys "This is just a chance to expand our busiess, including solar system
or any cell phone, components". What would you think about this kind of behavior as
I see he's too much lacking of publicity and nationality, but he just controls politics
through I.Ozawa and his members. That's why the political decisions are becoming very
delayed and getting a lot of victims staying outside in North East area of Japan.

If you have any ideas to stop this kind of energetic and stupid Japanese man, please
advise me how to deal with such a crazy and unreasonablly authorized guy from viewsight
of outsiders except Japanese.

Applogies for my English not best(-;