Nate

“When I pretended to be precocious, people started the rumor that I was precocious. When I acted like an idler, rumor had it I was an idler. When I pretended I couldn't write a novel, people said I couldn't write. When I acted like a liar, they called me a liar. When I acted like a rich man, they started the rumor I was rich. When I feigned indifference, they classed me as the indifferent type. But when I inadvertently groaned because I was really in pain, they started the rumor that I was faking suffering. The world is out of joint.”
― Osamu Dazai, The Setting Sun

“I am afraid because I can so clearly foresee my own life rotting away of itself, like a leaf that rots without falling, while I pursue my round of existence from day to day.”
― Osamu Dazai, The Setting Sun

“Humanity? Don't be silly. I know. It is knocking down your fellow-men for the sake of your own happiness.”
― Osamu Dazai, The Setting Sun

“It was only natural for Yozo to vacillate when asked about the reason behind his suicide – it was everything to him.”
― Osamu Dazai, The Flowers of Buffoonery