Far East Quotes

“We Orientals tend to seek our satisfactions in whatever surroundings we happen to find ourselves, to content ourselves with things as they are; and so darkness causes us no discontent, we resign ourselves to it as inevitable. If light is scarce, then light is scarce; we will immerse ourselves in the darkness and there discover its own particular beauty. But the progressive Westerner is determined always to better his lot. From candle to oil lamp, oil lamp to gaslight, gaslight to electric light—his quest for a brighter light never ceases, he spares no pains to eradicate even the minutest shadow.”
― Junichirō Tanizaki, In Praise of Shadows

“The truck takes off again on Jalan 15 Oktober, in a cloud of dust, papers and tatters. A half-naked boy, coming out of nowhere, waves at us as if nothing had happened. For a moment, it almost feels like life could go on, just as it always does. But that’s not the case. There’s no time for life here anymore.”
― Marco Lupis, Il male inutile: Dal Kosovo a Timor Est, dal Chiapas a Bali, le testimonianze di un reporter di guerra

“Browsing among the shelves, Poppy paused to examine a jeweled silver figurine of a horse, its hooves extended in mid-gallop. "How lovely."
"A gift from the Crown Prince Yizhu of China," the man behind her said. "A Celestial horse."
Fascinated, Poppy ran a fingertip along the figure's back. "Now the prince has been crowned as the Emperor Xianfeng," she said. "A rather ironic ruling name, isn't it?"
Coming to stand beside her, the stranger glanced at her alertly. "Why do you say that?"
"Because it means 'universal prosperity.' And that is certainly not the case, considering the internal rebellions he is facing."
"I'd say the challenges from Europe are an even greater danger to him, at present."
"Yes," Poppy said ruefully, nudging the figurine back into place. "One wonders how long Chinese sovereignty can last against such an onslaught."
Her companion was standing close enough that she could detect the scents of pressed linen and shaving soap. He stared at her intently. "I know very few women who are able to discuss Far East politics."
She felt color rise in her cheeks. "My family has rather unusual conversations around the supper table. At least, they're unusual in that my sisters and I always take part. My companion says it's perfectly all right to do that at home, but she has advised me not to appear too learned when I'm out in society. It tends to drive away suitors."
"You'll have to be careful, then" he said softly, smiling. "It would be a shame for some intelligent comment to slip out at the wrong moment.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Tempt Me at Twilight

“V'è, in noi Orientali, un'inclinazione ad accettare i limiti, e le circostanze, della vita. Ci rassegniamo all'ombra così com'è, e senza repulsione. La luce è fievole? Lasciamo che le tenebre ci inghiottano, e scopriamo loro una beltà.”
― Tanizaki Jun’ichirô

“I may never become a gypsy, but I am not yet ready for the pipe and slippers”
― Raccoon Sixty, It's All Because of the Virgin: Twisted Tales From the East