A man who has nothing in particular to recommend him discusses all sorts of subjects at random as if he knew everything.
Sei ShonagonOne is telling a story about old times when someone breaks in with a little detail that he happens to know, implying that one's own version is inaccurate — disgusting behavior!
Sei ShonagonIn life there are two things which are dependable. The pleasures of the flesh and the pleasures of literature.
Sei ShonagonTo wash one's hair, make one's toilet, and put on scented robes; even if not a soul sees one, these preparations still produce an inner pleasure.
Sei Shonagon