Capitalism for Humanity

We advocate for “Capitalism for Humanity” as a path to building a truly enriched society. In this vision, sustainable human well-being lies at the center, and economic growth is seen not as the ultimate goal, but merely as one of the means to achieve a more fulfilling life.

“Capitalism for Humanity” relies on more than just financial value. It recognizes the importance of “natural capital,” such as ecosystems and resources, and “social capital,” including relationships and trust within communities. These forms of capital are difficult to measure with traditional economic indicators, yet they are essential for supporting long-term well-being and a flourishing society.

Japan is facing a rapid population decline, making continuous economic growth as seen in the past difficult. Building a new social model that takes depopulation as a given and focuses on achieving sustainable well-being means Japan can offer pioneering solutions to the world. Such a model can serve as a guide for other nations facing similar demographic challenges in the future, positioning Japan at the forefront of the pursuit of sustainable well-being.

sailentik reflects the spirit of a “quiet revolution”—not by confronting existing systems and stakeholders head-on, but by gradually permeating society and effecting big change. Guided by this ethos, we are committed to realizing “Capitalism for Humanity” by driving initiatives across all fields that support the sustainable well-being of people.

Human well-being can be generally grouped into three types of happiness: serotonin-based, oxytocin-based, and dopamine-based happiness. Serotonin-based happiness refers to the sense of well-being that comes from mental and physical health. Oxytocin-based happiness stems from connection and relationships with others. Dopamine-based happiness arises from achievement and the acquisition of rewards.

In pursuing long-term well-being, both the order and balance among these forms of happiness are essential. Even if dopamine-driven happiness is high, without a solid foundation of serotonin-based well-being, true sustainability is hard to achieve. Therefore, it is crucial to first cultivate serotonin- and oxytocin-based happiness, and then seek a balanced expansion of all three to foster enduring well-being.

Traditionally, “capital” refers to financial assets used to conduct business activities, and in modern capitalism, it is often equated with economic capital. However, what enriches human lives goes far beyond financial capital. Social capital—the networks and relationships that connect people—and natural capital—such as forests, soil, air, water, and biodiversity—are equally essential components of a truly flourishing society.

In today’s capitalist society, economic growth is prioritized above all else, and nearly everything is translated into economic value. Capital concentrates in whatever generates more capital, and this system has delivered material abundance and high living standards. However, capitalism also faces growing criticism for its challenges and limitations.

Since it is inherently designed to maximize economic value, capitalism often overlooks elements that are difficult to monetize in the short term—such as social resources, the natural environment, and people’s well-being. Sustainable growth typically relies on a growing labor force and abundant resources, yet businesses are expected to pursue growth continuously. This has led to a range of issues, including excessive resource consumption, erosion of cultural values, and mental and physical health problems among workers.

Economic growth is generally tied to the size of the working population. In Japan, the population began to decline in 2008 and is projected to fall to approximately 75 million by the year 2100. Globally, the population is expected to peak at around 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s, up from 8.2 billion in 2024, before entering a long-term decline.

Given the finite nature of Earth’s population and resources, endless economic growth is not a realistic expectation. In such a world, it is essential to explore new ways of defining and pursuing well-being.