Brazilians are incredibly kind-hearted, and the country is home to the largest number of Catholic believers in the world. Its post-independence history, like that of all Latin American nations, spans only about 200 years. Unlike  Protestant-dominated America, Brazil’s way of thinking is fundamentally different. In my view, if I were to describe it unfavorably, Catholicism can feel earthy and somewhat lax, lacking the strictness often associated with  Protestantism. On the positive side, however, Catholicism carries a sense of tradition and historical depth, and the people living within its  influence often exhibit a personal kindness or a strong sense of compassion. That said, this very nature may hinder the country’s potential for national development.

To put it simply, could it be said that Protestants tend to be more hardworking? Looking at the world, countries with a large Catholic  population, like those in Latin America, are typically characterized by poverty and slower economic development. While it’s true that “poverty  dulls the mind,” I am not suggesting that wealthy nations are necessarily superior in terms of their citizens’ qualities. For example, I once had a very capable subordinate who was like my right-hand.

His wife had four young children. Whenever I remember this, I can’t help but recall a scene from the great director  Akira Kurosawa’s Dodes’ka-den (Toho release, October 31, 1970, based on the novel by Shūgorō Yamamoto). The scene features a poor family,  portrayed by Shinsuke Minami, which always reminds me of the struggles he faced. In this film, there are many children, and it’s impossible  to tell who belongs to whom. One day, the oldest child is bullied by the neighborhood kids, saying, “Everyone says I’m not my father’s son.”

The father, played by Shinsuke Minami, stared at the child for a moment, then returned to his usual calm expression.  Next time you meet him, ask him this—what about you? Who do you belong to… no one knows! Upon hearing this, the youngest daughter,  a little girl, proudly declared, “I’m my big brother’s child!” and everyone burst into laughter, returning to their usual peaceful family scene. (To be continued)