August 14, 2026
FURUDONO Koichi
Who Am I?
1. The "Choice of Likes and Dislikes" Creates the World of the Moment
While we may never be able to perceive how other
beings—non-humans—experience the world, the immediate, personal sense of
whether we "like" or "dislike" something is an event unique to us—one
that no one else in this world can deny.
The very process of satisfying our desires through these
moment-to-moment choices shapes the contours of what I call my own
"individual universe."
In a world devoid of absolute right or wrong answers, our own personal
likes and dislikes serve as our only compass.
2. Returning, Eventually, to "Events Beyond Our Perception"
The atoms and subatomic particles that compose our bodies are, in
essence, mere fluctuations within the "empty space" that permeates this
world.
They have simply come together by chance to take the form of a "human
being," encountering various phenomena that trigger feelings of like or
dislike.
When life ends, these constituent elements will scatter once more,
dissolving back into a realm—a universe—that remains entirely beyond the
reach of human perception.
3. Immersed in the Countless Events of a "Never-to-be-Repeated" Universe
The phenomenon of "me"—constantly changing, making choices in every
passing moment—will never occur in exactly the same way again.
In this world, which may be fundamentally meaningless and destined for
collapse, the fleeting spark of an individual existence—much like a
"one-time-only glitch"—stands out as a reality that is, in its own way,
poignantly, achingly real.
Conclusion
To live by the philosophy—"Do not dwell on frameworks that cannot be
transcended; simply satisfy your desires through your likes and
dislikes, knowing that everything will eventually vanish"—might seem
like cold, stark nihilism. In truth, however, it is the most powerful
declaration of intent: a commitment to live one’s own existence as
something that belongs, 100 percent, to oneself. There is no need to
understand the workings of the universe or this world; I simply need to
make the most of this singular, unrepeatable occurrence—the phenomenon
that is "me"—in whatever way I choose.
