Japanese affection is not uttered in words; it scarcely appears even in the tone of voice; it is chiefly shown in acts of exquisite courtesy and kindness.
Interpretation
Japanese affection is expressed through actions rather than words.
This quote by Lafcadio Hearn highlights the cultural nuances of expressing affection in Japan, where love and care are often shown through thoughtful actions and behaviors rather than spoken declarations or vocal tones. It emphasizes the importance of subtlety and consideration in interpersonal relationships, illustrating how kindness and courtesy serve as the primary vehicles for expressing deep emotional connections.
In practice
During a cultural exchange presentation about Japanese customs.
The tea ceremony requires years of training and practice ... yet the whole of this art, as to its detail, signifies no more than the making and serving of a cup of tea. The supremely important matter is that the act be performed in the most perfect, most polite, most graceful, most charming manner possible.
No man can possibly know what life means, what the world means, until he has a child and loves it. And then the whole universe changes and nothing will ever again seem exactly as it seemed before.
In the world of reality the more beautiful a work of art, the longer, we may be sure, was the time required to make it, and the greater the number of different minds which assisted in its development.
But what is after all the happiness of mere power? There is a greater happiness possible than to be lord of heaven and earth; that is the happiness of being truly loved.
It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.
My worst mistake has been not grasping that time goes by. It was going by and there I was, set in the attitude of the ideal wife of an ideal husband. Instead of bringing our sexual relationship to life again I brooded happily over memories of our former nights together.
Relationship and connectedness are the pre-condition for change. Every meeting, every process, every training program has to get people connected first. Otherwise the content falls on deaf ears. So small groups are an essential building block to any future you want to create.
Like some dogs: kick them once and they never trust you again, no matter how nice you are to them.
Our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self acceptance.
Southern people are bigger-hearted and kinder than I had any right to expect.
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