Quotes from Yoshida Kenko

If man were never to fade away ... but lingered on forever in the world, how things would lose their power to move us. The most precious thing in life is its uncertainty.

Blossoms are scattered by the wind and the wind cares nothing, but the blossoms of the heart no wind can touch.

Life's most precious gift is uncertainty.

A certain recluse, I know not who, once said that no bonds attached him to this life, and the only thing he would regret leaving was the sky.

If life were eternal, all interest and anticipation would vanish. It is uncertainty which lends it fascination.

The most precious thing in life is its uncertainty

If you imagine that once you have accomplished your ambitions you will have time to turn to the Way, you will discover that your ambitions never come to an end.

One should write not unskillfully in the running hand, be able to sing in a pleasing voice and keep good time to music; and, lastly, a man should not refuse a little wine when it is pressed upon him.

... For such as truly love the world, a thousand years would fade like the dream of one night.

Though 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.