Three Forms of Capital and the Architecture of Well-being

 Well-being is not a passive state—it’s a result of how we perceive our lives and how we invest our resources. Drawing on Yamaguchi Shu’s insights, this post introduces a conceptual framework that links three types of capital—human, social, and financial—to key perceptions that shape our sense of well-being. It shows how time fuels these capitals, and how each contributes to self-efficacy, social connection, and economic stability.

Modeling Based on 山口周『人生の​経営戦略』​

Entity Name	Description
Well-being	The sustained state of physical, emotional, and existential fulfillment.
Perception	The subjective lens through which individuals experience and evaluate their life conditions.
Self-efficacy	A sub-type of perception reflecting confidence in one’s ability to act and influence outcomes.
Social Connection	A sub-type of perception reflecting the quality and depth of interpersonal relationships.
Economic Stability	A sub-type of perception reflecting a sense of financial security and control.
Resources	The foundational assets that shape perceptions and enable well-being.
Time Capital	A sub-type of resource representing the finite time available for life activities and development.
Human Capital	A sub-type of resource encompassing knowledge, experience, skills, and personal capabilities.
Knowledge	A sub-type of human capital representing accumulated understanding and information.
Experience	A sub-type of human capital reflecting lived events and practical learning.
Skills	A sub-type of human capital referring to applied competencies and abilities.
Other Human Capital	A sub-type of human capital encompassing traits not categorized as knowledge, experience, or skills.
Social Capital	A sub-type of resource reflecting trust, reputation, and relational networks.
Trust	A sub-type of social capital representing confidence in others and institutions.
Reputation	A sub-type of social capital reflecting perceived credibility and respect within a community.
Connections	A sub-type of social capital referring to the breadth and strength of social ties.
Financial Capital	A sub-type of resource representing monetary assets and economic decision-making capacity.
Cash	A sub-type of financial capital referring to liquid assets available for immediate use.
Capital	A sub-type of financial capital representing accumulated wealth and investment potential.

Well-being is shaped not only by what we have, but by how we perceive and use it. By investing time into building meaningful capital—human, social, and financial—we design a life that feels empowered, connected, and secure.