I came as dew, I vanish as dew — all that I was, all I achieved at Naniwa, is a dream within a dream.

Wisdom that comes only after hearing others' opinions is not true wisdom.

If the cuckoo will not sing, I shall make it want to sing.

Youth on horseback has passed. The world is at peace and white hairs multiply. With what remains of life that heaven permits, how can I not enjoy it?

-- The 'One-Eyed Dragon' of northern Japan who carved

児孫のために美田を買わず。

-- The charismatic giant who led Japan's Meiji Restoration through force of personality and moral authority

Let the world say what it will about me. Only I know what I must do.

-- The visionary who brokered the alliance that overthrew Japan's feudal government and launched the country into modernity

Within the motive for crime lies society's contradiction.

-- Seicho Matsumoto

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.

-- Mark Twain

The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.

-- Henrik Ibsen