We must act boldly, even if it be wrongly, when action is called for. We must be able to regenerate ourselves at the appropriate time. There is none more unreliable than the aimlessly nervous and anxious man.
Today’s world is swarming with such petty men. No matter how fine their outer appearance, deep inside they are fickle, and easily seen through.
Unless we are able at times to be hot-tempered, we can accomplish no work. The sort of person who does nothing but gripe and complain without any discernible point is no better than pond scum.
The usual moralizers and the like, while for the most part existing in a cowardly and acquiescent state, are also quite stiff and prim in their righteousness. The great robbers Ishikawa Goemon and Nezumi Kozo were far more honest men.
When hungry, it’s best to eat; when sick, to see a doctor; when sweaty, to take a bath; when sleepy, to go to bed. The country person prefers the city; the city person, the country. The Bachelor of Arts would rather be a Ph.D.; the poor would rather be rich. Such desires are self-evident, and if attained by justifiable means, nothing can be better, for it is mankind’s nature to spend his life toiling for these things.
However, among the world’s superstitious religionists there have been many who have self-righteously exhorted that we must, “Throw away all physical pleasures and fervently serve God.”
These people have only known one side of life, and fail to see the other. To intentionally torture oneself—of what use is this as atonement?
There is none more admirable than he who sacrifices himself to travel throughout the world. But to labor at something which is not in accord with Divine will, out of a sort of superstition, will only draw the wrath of God.
Without trying many things, you will never understand many things. From first to last, great beauty to great ugliness, there are many things to be found on this earth. Therefore, if we wish to accomplish significant work during our time here, we must seek out a wide range of experiences while we are still young
However, while young we are apt to be cocky. Having completed a minor task, we think we are already full-grown, and look down upon our fellows—neglecting to cultivate any true ability. Without realizing it, we all come to believe that what we are thinking and saying is absolutely correct, and it is very difficult for us to frankly accept the words of others. Before having reached the age of thirty, even the wisest of men cannot really hope to have a full understanding of the world. Therefore, before reaching this age we must be deeply aware that all things hold a lesson for us. Patiently reflecting on even small matters, we must strive to use everything towards the elevation of our spirit.
In order to develop sound judgment, we must cultivate the habit of comparing all things. Because we exist in a world which is limitlessly broad in all directions, we must not become tied to just one small area. One by one we must observe, compare, and criticize all things, and then strive to penetrate to their essence. It is human nature to be a slave to time, and to become caught up in one particular place—but no matter how long we continue in such a way, we will never be able to perceive the reality of this world, nor distinguish good, nor recognize beauty.
The cause of success or failure is a truly elusive matter. It cannot be ascertained at all merely from a person’s character and talent. Even among those people with more than enough power/strength to succeed in this world, a great many have amounted to nothing.
We cannot judge a person by his talent or character. Success or failure does not rely on talent and character but on a certain delicate subtle state of mind. Many people have the ability to attain worldly success but reach the end of their lives without any. For example, even an intelligent and virtuous man may fall into a state of despair because he cannot marry the woman he loves. This state of mind can keep him from succeeding in other areas of his life.
A surprisingly large number of people fail to marry their true partner in life, and end up desperate and bitter as a result. With a perfect marriage, one may for the first time lead a perfect life. Because this union is the true foundation of human existence, if the marriage bond weakens, the entire world suffers as well.
A wife who abuses the household help either is being treated badly by her husband, or else feels inferior. It is certainly not because there is any rule saying that you must always mistreat your domestic help.
Behind the young fellow who frequents the pleasure quarters there undoubtedly lurks an unrequited love, or some such disappointment. It’s hardly the case that a young man would be attracted to a dissolute life from the very beginning.
However, in most instances society fails to see beyond the surface to such hidden reasons, and brands such youths as “shameful.” If we judge the various good and evil actions of men simply by their outer appearance, we can never hope to understand them clearly. All of these actions spring from irresistible inner needs.
Therefore, we must constantly reconsider our opinions of others, and with broadmindedness and compassion try to see things from their viewpoint. At the same time, we must strictly reflect upon our own conduct, and be mindful not to cause others any emotional distress.
Your frame of mind is most important. Outward propriety is far less essential—we must always strive first to make our inner nature honest, pure, and generous. Instead of worrying about tiresome formalities we must first develop an awareness of and respect for each other’s feelings. True courtesy is essentially behavior to put one another at ease, and to do this it must be something that manifests itself naturally from within.
In this way, the behavior of an artless child is the most agreeably courteous of all. Now matter how fine a person’s manners may be, if their heart is insincere and they are neither benevolent nor generous, such manners will be but a sham. In essence, our internal feelings are far more vital than our outer deportment.
Nevertheless, it’s human nature to feel lonely, sad, or angry at times. This is something we absolutely cannot conceal from others. In such times it is best to simply try to restrain these emotions as much as possible around others.
Though a person’s feelings may not be outwardly obvious on first meeting them, these feeling are immediately transmitted on an internal level. Thus, as soon as we are aware of being in a black mood, we should contrive to expel this feeling and replace it with calmness, so as not to transmit our anger to others.
Humility is the most appropriate paint with which to brush over such hateful feelings. Though it is vain to expect to suddenly feel happy when angry or cheerful when lonely, it is easiest and best if one can simply forget oneself and be serene and composed.
Essentially, if you divorce yourself from self-interest, and resolve to do good for the sake of good, then you will never know fear. All things done out of greed are apt to end in ruin.
