Yoshida Shoin: Quotes about grass

Yoshida Shoin was Japanese politician. Explore interesting quotes on grass.

Yoshida Shoin: 36 quotes1 like

“If the plan [to intercept the shogunate emissary to the Kyoto court] is to be carried out, it can only be done with men from the grass roots. To wear silk brocades, eat dainty food, hug beautiful women, and fondle darling children are the only things hereditary officials care about. To revere the emperor and expel the barbarian is no concern of theirs. If this time it should be my misfortune to die, may my death inspire at least one or two men of steadfast will to rise up and uphold this principle after my death.”

Vol. IX.
Yoshida Shoin Zenshu

“When I consider the state of things in our fief, I find that those who hold positions and receive official stipends are incapable of the utmost in loyalty and patriotic service. Loyalty of the usual sort-perhaps, but if it is true loyalty and service you seek, then you must abandon this fief and plan a grass-roots uprising.”

Vol. IX.
Yoshida Shoin Zenshu

“It seems hopeless, hopeless. Those who eat meat [at public expense] are a mean, selfish lot, and so the country is doomed. Our only hope lies in the grass-roots folk who eat our traditional food.”

Vol. VI.
Yoshida Shoin Zenshu

“As things stand now the feudal lords are content to look on while the shogunate carries on in a highhanded manner. Neither the lords nor the shogun can be depended upon, and so our only hope lies in grass-roots heroes.”

Vol. V.
Yoshida Shoin Zenshu

“If Heaven does not completely abandon this land of the Gods, there must be an uprising of grass-roots heroes.”

Vol. IX.
Yoshida Shoin Zenshu