KUMAMOTO, November, 1893.
DEAR OCHIAI,--I was very glad indeed to get your letter. It came while
the school was closed--all the students having gone upon an excursion to
Ōita, so that I did not receive it until to-day (the 11th), when I
went to the school to see if there were any letters for me.
Don't think any more about any mistakes you may have made;--everybody
will forget them quickly: only think about what makes you happy. But as
for Christianity, of course that is a matter for your own conscience;
and I would not advise you at all unless you are in doubt. I can only
tell you this,--that there are a great many different forms of what is
called the Christian religion--a very great many. But what is called the
"higher Christianity" is a pure code of ethics; and that code of ethics
recognizes that in all civilized religions,--whether of Japan, India,
China, Persia, or Arabia,--there is _some_ eternal truth; because all
religions agree in the deepest teaching about duty and conduct to one's
fellow men; and therefore all are entitled to the respect of good men.
But in all religions also there are some things which even very good men
cannot approve: that is not the fault of the true part of religion, but
only the fault of social conditions--that is, the state of society. No
state of society is yet perfect; and there can be no perfect religious
system until all men become perfectly good. How to become good is,
nevertheless, taught by all civilized religions. Nearly everything
which is eternally true is taught by one as well as by the other; and
therefore a society cannot throw away its religion on account of some
errors in it. And each religion represents the experience of a nation
with right and wrong--its knowledge of morality. But as society is
constructed quite differently in different countries, the religion of
one country may not be suited to another. That is why the introduction
of a foreign religion may often be opposed by a whole people. For some
things which are right in one country may not be right in another. It is
not right in China or in Japan to leave one's parents, and to neglect
them when they are old. But in England and America and other countries,
sons and daughters go away from their parents, and do not think it
a duty to support them;--and there is no family relation in those
countries such as there is in the Orient. And therefore many things
in Western religion are not suited to the kinder and more benevolent
life of Japan. Also, some religions teach loyalty, and some do not. For
Japan to become strong, and to remain independent, it is very necessary
that her people should remain very loyal. Her ancient religion teaches
loyalty;--therefore it is still very useful to her. And that is why
there is anger shown against some Christians who show no respect to that
religion. They are not blamed for not believing in dogmas, but only for
what seems to be not loyal.
Perhaps it is better that you should not think a great deal about
religious questions until you become old enough to study scientific
philosophy--because these questions ought to be studied in relation
to society, in relation to history, in relation to law, in relation
to national character, and in relation to science. Therefore they are
very difficult. But if you should like to read the highest thoughts
of Western people about _modern_ religious ideas, I can send you some
little books which will show you that the highest religion agrees with
the highest science. What I mean by the highest religion is the belief
in eternal laws of right conduct. However, as I said, to think about
these questions at all requires great study and much knowledge. I think
the best advice I can give you in a general way is this,--Do not believe
a new thing told you because it is told you; but think for yourself, and
follow your own heart when you are in doubt. But remember that the _old_
things taught you have been valuable to society--and have been useful
for thousands of years--so that we cannot despise them.
I send you a book of old Greek stories to read. Perhaps it will interest
you. You will see from the stories how different the old Greek life was
from modern life in many things. You must tell me, too, what books you
like to read--novels, history, etc.; perhaps I shall be able to send you
some from time to time.
Study well, and never be discouraged;--think only how to make yourself
a noble and perfect man. And remember the best men in public life have
generally been those who made plenty of mistakes and got into plenty of
trouble when they were boys.
And never, _never_ be afraid--except of your own heart.