Even members of the nobility, let alone persons of no consequence, would do well not to have children.
Yoshida KenkoThough a man excels in everything, unless he has been a lover his life is lonely, and he may be likened to a jewelled cup which can contain no wine.
Yoshida KenkoOn a moonlit night, after a snowfall, or under cherry blossoms, it adds to our pleasure if, while chatting at our ease, we bring forth the wine cups.
Yoshida KenkoIf life were eternal, all interest and anticipation would vanish. It is uncertainty which lends it fascination.
Yoshida KenkoThe true criminal must be defined as a man who commits a crime though he is as decently fed and clothed as others.
Yoshida KenkoIn everything, no matter what it may be, uniformity is undesirable. Leaving something incomplete makes it interesting, and gives one the feeling that there is room for growth. Someone once told me, "Even when building the imperial palace, they always leave one place unfinished." In both Buddhist and Confucian writings of the philosophers of former times, there are also many missing chapters.
Yoshida Kenko