A Unique Encounter With Mr. Maezawa

By Bilal Zeineddine

 

If you ever think that you have a sight, then your insight is the blind. If you think that you are insignificant, you shall realize that the greatest world is held within you. And if you think that the problems of this universe cannot be solved by anyone, soon you shall discover that they are only fleeting hours of contemplation that have been burdening your mind. And if you ever think you are a lonely invalid, you shall find out that separation from people will only add to your loneliness. And if you think your life is plagued with depravation and humiliation, it shall soon appear to you that the abundance of fortune does not add to your strength. So, what is the way to reach such outcomes? A question of a thousand questions. You may read tens of books in search for it or listen to tens of lectures or ask college students and renowned psychologists, you may find an answer, yet a real experience and a true story will definitely lead you to the reality of your existence in this universe and the true meaning of contentment, good faith, restraining your anger, the love of others, the friendship loyalty, honoring the family, the mother and father's tenderness and the desertion of your selfishness, your view of death. These are all answers with details laid out in this humble book, and its summary revolves around your faith, obedience to your Maker and the Creator of this universe; so that you have an aim in life that makes you happier every time you reach closer to it; so that you fix your compass on this path and do not deviate from it no matter how harsh destiny lashes you until you arrive to the end of the journey with ease and peace of mind.

• It is an experience worth the risk of reading it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: bilal.zeineddine
• Release date: Dec 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215873533

Bilal Zeineddine

In simple words, by which I introduce myself after my involvement in the field of writing, I am called Bilal Zeineddine, and I come from a modest village in the Lebanese countryside, I set out To write Three years because of my previous love for reading, with my participation in previous lectures in the field Sociology and individual human behavior, which reinforced the experience of writing so that I finished A book called (A Unique Encounter with Mr. Maezawa) has been translated into English, followed by a book (Caesar Where Are You Going?). And then the book (It was all an illusion) hoping for upcoming works that simulate the spirit with what shivers human soul.

Book preview

Bilal K. Zeineddine

Translated by

Fatema.M.Hadi

No sooner the clock struck 10:00 am at Maezawa Tower than the conference hall was filled with contenders in response to an advertisement that was more like a dream coming true. The competition was stiff, the prize grand, much grander than any other prize because the initiator was none but Mr. Maezawa himself. A businessman of brilliant reputation, a philanthropist with generous heart and a visionary with remarkable qualities. This man’s competition motivated a huge crowd of people who considered it a unique opportunity, an opportunity, which would equal many years of hard work from dawn to dusk to make both ends meet. Everybody knew that. They also knew that winning this contest was a lifetime ticket to a safe and prosperous future not only for themselves but also their families.

So, the hall was full, and those who were standing much outnumbered the ones sitting. The procedure was set out in such a way that each contestant was allocated ten minutes to present a viable business plan. The prize was huge, one Billion Yen, given to the most feasible and profitable idea. Two winners would claim the prize. So, it was not surprising to see everybody excited. The faces were serious and the minds wandering somewhere into the unknown, either thinking of a phrase to catch the interviewer’s attention or day dreaming about the many things that they would do with the prize. Some were thinking to build a large house, others open a business, travel, buy fancy clothes or even reminiscing about drinking parties, women and feasts. These thoughts were built on the one possibility of winning the prize. Each was holding a copy of the business plan, patiently waiting for the exciting moment. Some fanned their faces with their papers, others paced the room. Each contestant was given a number and later called in to fill out some paperwork before entering into Mr. Maezawa’s office for presentation. They were all dressed up professionally. Mr. Maezawa did not impose heavy guidelines to enter the contest except for an age of eighteen years and more.

In the crowd stood an elderly man, aging not less than seventy years of age. He was not holding a file or papers. Only one hand in his pocket and the other resting on his crooked cane. This man looked intelligent, and though old, he wore the clearness of health in his red face. Unlike the rest of the contestants, he showed up in a simple attire, giving the impression of an ordinary man who was not much serious about the contest, but he was far from ordinary and perhaps the most serious of all. He was calmly waiting for his number ‘124’ to be called. Moments passed before the speaker announced.

124 please come forward

This white bearded contestant slowly walked up to the front desk with everybody staring at him and his attire. They were looking at him inferiorly thinking that he would not stand a chance to win the contest. In their opinion, the results of this contest much depended on a good first impression, and to them, the outcome of this man’s participation was obvious given his scruffy appearance. But never be fooled with appearances, he would say, because appearances can well deceive the observer. The stares did not shake this man’s confidence nor did they deter his determination. The front desk secretary welcomed him and asked for a copy of his business plan, resume and other identification documents. He produced a small tattered piece of paper and informed her that this was his ID. With raised brows, the secretary stared at him for a few moments and said after inputting his information into the computer, ‘Well, good luck, sir. You may go in for your presentation.’

The man thanked her with a smile and slowly walked into the next room. There, he was met with another secretary, who was in charge of admitting the contestants. She addressed him while examining his appearance.

‘I don’t see your paper file, sir,’ she inquired after a short greeting.

‘Yes, that is correct. I did not bring any papers. It is all in my head,’ the old man calmly replied.

‘But you know that you should submit a paper plan, sir?’ the receptionist irritatingly asked.

‘Yes, I know. If I cannot convince Mr. Maezawa verbally, the papers will not do much, will it?’

The secretary knotted her brows and gnashed her teeth. Then with a smirk, the old man leaned forward and said, ‘My idea is simple, Madame, and it does not require extensive research. I came here with the serious intention to compete like the others in hope that I win the prize. A man with dignity does not need others to survive. Would you not agree?’

Silence filled the room. Sam, the contestant’s name, looked at the secretary in wait for an answer, but she was hesitant whether to admit him or simply ask him to leave for lack of a complete application. In brief moments, she turned her face to the other side of the room past Sam and blankly stared at something or someone as though seeking invisible assistance in this situation.

Suddenly, a loud voice from behind Sam said, ‘The fact that you are here to participate in this contest refutes your claim of dignity. Would not you agree?’

Sam turned around and found a man in his forties with sharp eyes, wearing casual clothes and sitting behind a large mahogany table. He was holding a paper and pen, looking at Sam and waiting for an answer to his question.

‘I disagree with you, sir,’ Sam replied. ‘I did not come here to beg. What I meant by saying, a man with dignity does not need others is different from what you understood. I meant to say that someone should keep his dignity by asking those who give assistance in respect and not in humiliation. One should ask for help from generous, noble people, those who help with love and honor. No matter how independent and well-off a person may be, he or she will need others at some point.’

Without introducing himself, the man sitting behind the desk stood up and asked, ‘What do you think of the businessman who launched this contest? Is he a noble, generous person?’

‘I do not like to judge people quickly, sir,’ responded Sam. ‘However, people’s actions do point to their nature. And the fact that this contest was advertised without conditions, without guaranteed profits to the person who initiated it, and it has been managed in a manner that does not hurt anyone’s dignity, it implies that he is a generous person with genuine intentions.’ Sam then smiled and added, ‘If I am not mistaken, you must be the person who initiated this competition, sir, and in charge of interviewing the applicants here.’

Without addressing Sam’s question, the man continued to ask, ‘And are good intentions only reflected by giving money without wanting anything in return?’

‘Not really,’ responded Sam. ‘Intentions are what a person harbors towards the others, and whatever someone harbors in his heart toward the others will show in one way or another; either on his face or through his speech. So, my question to you ― because it seems to me that you are the one responsible for interviewing the applicants ― is why did Mr. Maezawa initiate this contest? If you know the answer, and I think you do, then you will be able to know his true intentions.’

‘You have not answered my question,’ insisting the interviewer again, ‘what do you think of Mr. Maezawa’s intentions behind this contest?’

At this point, Sam gradually began to realize that this man could be none but Mr. Maezawa himself, and that this string of questions was his way of interviewing people. Sam slowly approached the interviewer, introduced himself and said, ‘Well, in order to know Mr. Maezawa’s intentions, I would ask him the same question that I would ask a generous person, Why are you doing this? Why are you giving money away? Mr. Maezawa is generous and already known for that. His answer will most likely be, I do what I do because it is my nature to help others and provide them with the means to help themselves. I think this is about his generous and kind nature. He may lack other qualities in character, but he is generous, and he wants to show his generosity to others. I am not sure if this answers your question.’

Before the interviewer commented, the secretary approached him and whispered that Sam had taken longer time than what was allocated. The interviewer quietly nodded and turned back to Sam, as though ignoring his secretary’s comments, and asked, ‘So what I understood from you that Mr. Maezawa is a generous man and wants to show his generosity, correct? But, you also said that he lacks other qualities even though you mentioned earlier that you do not like to judge people quickly. Contradicting statements!’

Sam, with a spontaneous smile on his face, replied, ‘You must be Mr. Maezawa, sir, since you also agree that the businessman is generous.’

The interviewer stayed quiet.

‘As I said, sir,’ Sam continued after a moment of silence, ‘that a man may enjoy a generous heart, yet still he may be deficient in some other qualities. And I do not see this as a weakness because none of us is perfect. Absolute perfection, in morals and characteristics, is only attributed to God, and none of us can reach that level of perfection no matter how hard we try.’

The interviewer’s serious face gave the impression as though he was displeased with Sam’s reply. Sam cleared his throat and said, ‘I think I have taken up too much of your time, and out of fairness, I will excuse myself. The contestants waiting outside should not think that you are treating people differently or being unfair with the amount of time you are allocating to each contestant. But, permit me to say this: if a man is striving for perfection, he should not become arrogant and abusive of the many blessings bestowed upon him as he does not know what has been taken away from him in return for these blessings. Thank you again for the time you gave me today. Good bye.’ Sam said those words and turned to leave the room when the interviewer said, ‘Excuse me! I am interested to hear your business plan. So, if you don’t mind, I wish to invite you to the other room to hear it so we don’t distract the other contestants.’ Then he instructed the secretary to keep admitting the contenders and let Mr. Umezaki interview them.

Sam stood there, quite confused with Mr. Maezawa’s reaction. He thought for a few moments and replied, ‘Of course, no problem, sir.’ Sam went in first. The room was spacious and filled with a huge desk and a set of leather chairs. Both men sat across each other.

‘Would you like to drink something?’ Maezawa started.

‘No, thank you. I am fine,’ responded Sam.

The interviewer lightly smiled to break the tension and introduced himself as Mr. Maezawa, ‘It seems we got on the wrong footing. I apologize for raising my voice.  It was unintentional. You did not provoke me, but your response made me curious because you sounded different.’

‘Different!’ exclaimed Sam, ‘in what way, sir?’

‘Different in the sense that you sounded honest, straightforward, not differential. You spoke as though the words came straight from your heart. A quality like this is rare to find these days. Would you not agree?’

‘Indeed, we live in a strange time.’

‘And that is why I insisted on asking you these questions out of interest to know your opinion about people since you seem to be sincere and good at analyzing people’s characters. That is why when you were about to leave, I felt like I had to explain myself to you not to defend myself because you did not offend me, but because I felt that your way of thinking and reasoning is similar to mine. I wanted to make sure you do not make the wrong assumption about me. I was especially moved by what you said, but I believe that part of it does not apply to me because I never did, nor will ever claim that I am perfect or enjoy perfect qualities.’

‘People act strangely sometimes, Mr. Maezawa,’ reverted Sam, ‘especially when it comes to matters of need. In hope of receiving assistance, they often come up with various means to obtain it. Some could be degrading, others silly, and so people try to draw the attention and sympathy of a generous businessman or prominent figure through flattery and exaggerated praise, talking about things to please, whether it is right or wrong, rather than the realities of things. I will tell you a brief story about what we are discussing. The story will give you an example of how people sometimes interact with one another based on their vague perception of things, not based on real facts. It is said that a military general came to one of the bases during the war without notifying the commander in charge of that base to see how ready and prepared his soldiers were. Upon his arrival he went straight to the commander’s office but did not find him there. The general sat in the office and asked for the commander to be called. After a few minutes, the commander showed up and stood in front of the general as he was trying to catch his breath. A surprised look came across the general’s face. With a sharp gaze and pressed brows the general looked at the officer up and down. He did not like what he saw. The base commander was unprepared and ungroomed, and this is not how he should look when standing before a general higher than him in rank. His sleeves were rolled up, shoes untied, and no cap on his head.  The general angrily addressed the commander and sarcastically said, It looks like we have won the war, and he kept repeating that with a cynical tone. He then said, From what I see here, if you, the commander who is responsible for this brigade, are this unprepared and careless, then I have no doubt that the rest of combat personnel here are as unprepared as you are for any attack. This only shows how much you are underestimating the enemy! The commander stood quietly and looked at the general as he tried to pull the ends of his sleeves down. He waited for the general to finish what he had to say, and replied, Sir, I would like for you to know that moments before you honored us with your visit here, I stood to pray before God. I took my shoes off, washed my hands with water and stood for prayer. I stood with my heart full of hope, and supplicated to Him and asked that in the name of our patience and trust in Him that He Grants us victory over our enemy. And it was during those moments that I was called and told that the General is here waiting for me. So, I immediately came to you in the same form that I was standing in the hands of Lord of heavens and earth, the One who does not judge me based on how I look, but sees my heart and my spiritual devotion.  Feeling ashamed, the general looked down and did not say anything, as though regretting being judgmental of the commander.

And so as for you, Mr. Maezawa, I believe, you are much influenced by honesty. I think you are the type of person who is repelled when people excessively flatter you to get something out of you. You also impressed me with your humility and the fact that you have not been swayed by this world. The fact that you are showing this noble side of your personality out of your own will and not because you feel compelled to show your true essence and humbleness. I am sure that you have to deal with criticism from people who watch you all the time as you make interviews, meetings and public appearances with some freely making negative comments about anything you do or say.  So, it is hard for people to get to know your true self and your hidden characteristics except through a direct, genuine conversation. After all, knowing someone closely protects you from falling into their deceit. This is the second trait that I noticed in you, in addition to the attribute of generosity, as we were talking.’

‘With my age and experience,’ replied Maezawa, ‘I can easily distinguish between an honest and fawning person. And I usually don’t need much time and skills to see that in someone. And so, I appreciate your honest perception of me.’

‘People, whether rich or poor, have innate qualities that they do not pay close attention to, but they act upon them naturally. In my opinion, a man is considered rich when he shows benevolent qualities to fellow man, and that is irrespective whether he has money or not. After all, the poor is the one who cannot give of himself. Generosity is not limited to material giving. No. To be peaceful is also a form of generosity, and that form of generosity is expected from the rich and poor. We also spoke of people who falsely flatter others, and that is rejected. However, there is another trait I noticed in you, which impressed me more.’

‘What is it? I am quite curious,’ eagerly asked Mr. Maezawa. ‘I am curious not because I want to hear praise and flattery, but because I want to know what other people think of me especially if the criticism is constructive and wise from a person like you.’

Sam blushed, and his face turned lightly red.  ‘Oh, please don’t go to that extent of calling me wise. Criticism is only intended to reform and correct the misdeeds. Perhaps a little story can help me explain better what I would like to say. After all we do not wish to shroud our conversation with obscurity, Mr. Maezawa. I realize that I can explain myself better by giving an example or telling a story. So, I will tell you a short story to show you the trait I liked in you. But I don’t know if we have enough time, because as you see, one topic is leading to another.’

‘Please do take your time. I do not run into someone who discusses the realities of life every day unless you have some other work to do.’

‘Our conversation is work in itself but of a different kind.’

‘What do you mean of a different kind?’

‘I will explain this point later if we have enough time. For now, let me tell you the story that I read from a book one day. It is an interesting story. A king of past time ruled with justice. His kingdom spread wide, and he was loved very much by his people. They prayed for his long life and his children. The king had only one son whom he cherished and loved. He raised him with care and ensured that he was a righteous son who would be the heir to his throne. Even though his son was still young, the king was concerned about his son’s future and worried that he would be swayed by materialistic temptations that might cause him to deviate from the right path. And that would corrupt the kingdom and oppress its people, and eventually the kingdom would perish. Therefore, the king wanted to make sure that his son is taught about life more than what he learnt in the palace. The king consulted his advisor.

Your Majesty, the advisor said, "there is a wise man outside the city who is well experienced in life. Your son could learn many life lessons from this man. He will gain