"As the sun in its rising first tips the highest peaks with russet hue, and then gradually casts its rays on the valley below, so the ethical system which first enlightened the military order drew in course of time followers from amongst the masses. Democracy raises up a natural prince for its leader, and aristocracy infuses a princely spirit among the people. Virtues are no less contagious than vices."
Nitobe Inazō

January 1, 1970

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Original Language: English

Sources

"The Influence of Bushido", p. 145

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Nitobe_Inaz%C5%8D