It is your spirit of devotion, your sincerity, that determines your true worth

It is important to remember that your worth as a person is not based on your profession. It is not based on wealth, fame or academic credentials. What counts is how hard you have striven in your chosen path, how much good you have accomplished, how earnestly you have devoted your energies to it. It is your spirit of devotion, your sincerity, that determines your true worth.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 21/8

Faith in life and in human spirit

The important thing is not whether we are optimistic or pessimistic but rather that, while keeping a careful eye on reality, we are neither overwhelmed by it nor content with the status quo. We must keep the lamps of our ideals alight while being ready to pioneer uncharted paths. Faith in life and in the human spirit is the necessary foundation for this approach. 2/3

The spirit of propagation and the essence of the Soka Gakkai

When something needs saying, it is our duty to speak out. When something is right, we should say so; and when something is wrong or mistaken, we should likewise point it out. Cheating, lies or scheming should be denounced with alacrity. It is precisely because we have done this that the Soka Gakkai and SGI have developed to the extent they have. To say what must be said—that is the spirit of propagation and the essence of the Soka Gakkai and the SGI. 10/6

Development of an independent spirit as a human being

We should give first priority to the development of an independent spirit as a human being before considering one's role as a man, woman, child or parent. In other words, for a person to become a man, woman, child or parent in the true sense of the word, one has to first of all develop his or her autonomous identity as a human being. 13/5

Live young and live for others

You mustn't allow yourself to grow old before your time. Please live with a youthful spirit. That is what Buddhism teaches us to do, and it is how life ought to be live. If you make a commitment to work for the sake of others, you will be rejuvenated. If you devote your life to helping others, you'll stay young. The power of Nam-myoho-rege-kyo guarantees that.