Yoshida Kenkō: Man

Yoshida Kenkō was japanese writer. Explore interesting quotes on man.

Yoshida Kenkō: 62 quotes2 likes

“The truly enlightened man has no learning, no virtue, no accomplishments, no fame.”

38
Essays in Idleness (1967 Columbia University Press, Trns: Donald Keene)

“A man who would be a success the world must first of all be a judge of moods, for untimely speeches will offend the ears and hurt the feelings of others, and so fail in their purpose. He has to beware of such occasions.
But falling sick and bearing children and dying — these things take no account of moods. They do not cease because they are untimely. The shifting changes of birth, life, sickness, and death, the real great matters — these are like the surging flow of a fierce torrent, which delays not for an instant but straightway pursues its course.
And so, for both priest and layman, there must be no talk of moods in things they must needs accomplish. They must be free from this care and that, they must not let their feet linger.”

Tsurezure-Gusa (Essays in Idleness)

“I find it insufferable too the way people spread word about the latest novelties and make a fuss over them. I am charmed by the man who remains unaware of such fashions until they have become quite an old story to everyone else.”

78
Essays in Idleness (1967 Columbia University Press, Trns: Donald Keene)

“One should write not unskillfully in the running hand, be able to sing in a pleasing voice and keep good time to music; and lastly, a man should not refuse a little wine when it is pressed upon him.”

Tsurezure-Gusa (Essays in Idleness)

“If a man strictly observe the rules of his way, and keep a rein on himself, then no matter what way it be, he will be a scholar of renown and be a teacher of multitudes.”

Tsurezure-Gusa (Essays in Idleness)

“It is excellent for a man to be simple in his tastes, to avoid extravagance, to own no possessions, to entertain no craving for worldly success.”

18
Essays in Idleness (1967 Columbia University Press, Trns: Donald Keene)