Business wisdom often gets regurgitated. Sometimes, it deserves wider transmission. The modern-day equivalent of ESG and corporate social responsibility is traceable to this philosophy going back hundreds of years in Japan.

Before the triple bottom line concept became popular in the business world, ’sanpo yoshi’ was embraced by merchants during the Edo-period. I learned about this concept recently from social entrepreneur Robin Lewis in a podcast hosted by Tim Romero. Here’s more to it in Robin’s Medium essay.

The private sector must step up when society suffers, and the government doesn’t function properly. I believe we are entering a purpose-driven business era that goes beyond stakeholder return and celebrity CEOs. Community building and giving back has become key to business performance. A vibrant and healthy society ensures the survival of capitalism.