Is “philosophy” necessary in today’s Japan?
There is a lot of emphases on desires and interests, but too little on philosophy. Patients affected by cancer or intractable neurological diseases are forced to face the reality of death, and they become conscious of their “final stage of life.” What can we do, with philosophy, to help them?
Doing philosophy is not as hard as one may think.
The following words resound in my mind: Mother Teresa once said: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” Martin Luther also stated “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree” – if you found yourself sympathize with these words you have already started doing philosophy.
OncoloCafé is one kind of philosophical dialogue. The dialogue between patients affected by cancer or incurable diseases, their families, and medical staff is supposed to give voice to the “tsunami” caused by this experience. Through the dialogue, they can get in touch with their feelings, understand them and manage them to return to their daily life. Our corporation is founded as a platform to take care of that moment.
We, members of Oncolo, through our Café and other related activities are willing to actively engage in this journey not for our loss or gains, but for the sake of others and the purpose of the future. By taking part in the OncoloCafé project, we also realize the joy and the meaning of our existence. We consider it as our “life work.”