How does Confucian thoughts on “li,” or ritual, influence business development? A sustainable enterprise requires a delicate balance between morality and profit. Japanese entrepreneur Eiichi Shibusawa, deeply influenced by Confucian principles, explored these ideas in his book “The Analects and the Abacus.” The book discusses how to integrate ethics with commerce and how to balance benevolence and self-interest. These ideas remain highly relevant in today’s competitive business environment, providing a “li”-based framework for modern enterprises. This story takes the audience from China to Japan, demonstrating the profound influence of Confucianism across East Asia.
