Ganbatte!: The Japanese Art of Always Moving Forward

In this enjoyable debut, philosopher Liebermann explores the Japanese principle of ganbatte (translated as “do your best and don’t give up”). The 50 mini chapters, each no longer than a few pages, are titled after many familiar concepts, such as “A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss” and “Reinventing the Wheel,” while others present a story of overcoming obstacles or a singular take on uncommon issues. Liebermann, for instance, provides “Ten Ganbatte Rules for Fitness” for those who struggle to exercise—including “don’t compare yourself to others, do something you enjoy, and enter a state of flow.” The chapter “Tama the Cat,” meanwhile, considers thinking outside the box via the story of a real cat that became stationmaster for a low-traffic railway line, increasing tourism and keeping the line from being closed. “Mentality of a Marathon Runner” explains how switching back-and-forth from associative to dissociative thinking can help one “reach the finish line” of any task. Between the chapters are photos of cultural touchstones ( among them an image from the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology) and examples famous Japanese art, including 1887’s Bodhidarma by Yoshitoshi. Readers who enjoyed Hector Garcia’s Ikigai for its focus on finding meaning in everyday life will appreciate this comforting take on how to address life’s inevitable failures. (Sept.)