I read 『世界は贈与でできている　資本主義の「すきま」を埋める倫理学』近内悠太 (The World is Made of Gifts: Ethics to Fill the ‘Gaps’ in Capitalism by Yuta Konuchi), so I’ll share the insights I gained from this book.

Background: Gifts in Work

I read this book after reading 副業せず一社で働くことが贅沢だといわれる時代がくる｜柴田史郎｜note and becoming interested.

Below are quotes and notes from sections that left an impression on me.

Chapter 2: The Limits of Give & Take

In both cases, attempts to reduce deviant behavior and violations through monetary sanctions (penalties) like salary cuts and fines resulted in the opposite effect - very interesting examples. These two cases relate to the logic of exchange. This happened because feelings of remorse and guilt were exchanged for money. By paying money, they could clear their debt.

? Exchanging punishment for money has the opposite effect.

Chapter 9: Messengers of Gifts

Education is noticing misdirection. Simply put, education is noticing misdirection. No matter how much you know, that alone doesn't constitute education. A person with education is someone who realizes that the knowledge and insights they've gained are themselves gifts, and when viewing the world through those insights, understands how much the world is filled with gifts. And that person becomes a messenger, bearing the mission to pass something on to others. They can attain the happiness of having a sense of mission.

? Education = noticing misdirection

That’s all from the Gemba about wanting to deepen understanding of gifts and education.