Love was like a toothache.

To Kiyomori each stall, each soul here seemed borne under by the crushing weight of the world; everyone here was a pitiful weed, trodden underfoot -- a conglomeration of human lives putting down roots in this slime, living and letting live in the struggle to survive; and he was stirred by the fearful and magnificent courage communicated by the scene.

The bitter winds in February were sometimes called the First East Winds, but the longing for spring somehow made them seem more piercing.

It's no good to want to win still more when you have already won.

I want to lead an important life. I want to do it because I was born a human being.

...you're going to find people from all over the country, everyone hungry for money and position. You won't make a name for yourself just doing what the next man does. You'll have to distinguish yourself in some way.

Great character is forged through hardships.