A strong economy is the source of national strength.

Hear the words of the Japanese leader, Yoshihide Suga, who declared: “A strong economy is the source of national strength.” These words carry the weight of centuries of wisdom, for they remind us that the foundation of any enduring power lies not merely in armies or weapons, but in the prosperity and stability of its people. An economy that thrives is like fertile soil—out of it grows security, innovation, and confidence, while poverty and stagnation weaken the roots of even the mightiest empires.

The meaning is clear: a nation cannot be strong if its people are hungry, if its industries falter, if its trade lies broken. National strength is not only measured in banners and battles, but in the daily bread, the steady work, the flourishing of commerce, and the confidence of citizens in their future. Where the economy is weak, unrest festers, and foreign powers take advantage. Where it is strong, unity grows, and the people lend their strength to the defense and progress of their land.

The ancients understood this well. Consider Rome, whose legions marched across continents. Yet Rome’s true power lay not only in its soldiers, but in the wealth of its economy: the fertile fields of Egypt, the trade routes of the Mediterranean, the taxes of provinces that filled the coffers of the empire. When its economy faltered under corruption, inflation, and overextension, the legions too lost their might, and Rome fell. Thus history teaches us that military might without economic strength is a hollow shell.

We see this lesson again in the rise of postwar Japan. After the devastation of World War II, Japan had little military force. Yet through rebuilding its economy with discipline, innovation, and resilience, it became one of the most prosperous nations on earth. Its strength was not in conquest, but in the might of industry, trade, and technology. Suga’s words echo from that history, for Japan’s recovery is proof that a strong economy is the true shield and sword of a nation.

And yet, Suga’s declaration speaks not only to nations but to individuals. For just as a state grows strong by cultivating resources wisely, so too does a person grow resilient by tending to their own foundations. A man who neglects discipline in work, or wastes his resources, will find himself weakened when trials come. But one who builds steadily, who strengthens the “economy” of his own life—health, learning, savings, relationships—will find reserves to endure hardship and to rise when others fall.

The lesson is luminous: if you desire strength, begin with the base. Nations must nurture their economies; individuals must tend their daily lives. Do not be distracted by appearances of power while your foundations crumble. Remember that grandeur built on weakness will collapse, but humble, steady growth will sustain both nations and souls. Strength without substance is illusion; strength with foundation is enduring.

Practical actions must follow. For leaders: invest in the people, in education, in industries that grow and renew. For citizens: cultivate discipline, work diligently, save wisely, and build your own reserves. Do not despise the slow building of strength, for from these small acts grows the resilience of nations. Just as farmers sow grain for tomorrow’s harvest, so must each of us labor to ensure the economy of our lives and communities remains fertile.

For remember this eternal truth: a strong economy is the source of national strength, and strength that does not rest upon such a foundation will soon wither. Let these words of Yoshihide Suga be not only counsel for rulers, but a teaching for all generations—that true power begins in the quiet work of building, sustaining, and nourishing the sources of life.