"So all they see of me is a façade. There are times when I am forced to sit with them and on such occasions I simply i…"

"To be pleasant, gentle, calm and self-possessed: this is the basis of good taste and charm in a woman. No matter how …"

"When my brother...was a young boy learning the Chinese classics, I was in the habit of listening with him and I becam…"

"It is useless to talk with those who do not understand one and troublesome to talk with those who criticize from a fe…"

"Sei Shōnagon is a smug and horrible person. She acts so smart and is always writing in true [Chinese] characters, but…"

"Unforgettably horrible is the naked body. It really does not have the slightest charm."

"Mono no aware."

"I have finally realized how rarely you will find a flawless woman, one who is simply perfect. No doubt there are many…"

"No art or learning is to be pursued halfheartedly," His Highness replied, "...and any art worth learning will certain…"

"Seeing the water birds on the lake increase in number day by day, I thought to myself how nice it would be if it snow…"