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Quote by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

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The Spider's Thread

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Author

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa (March 1, 1892 – July 24, 1927) was a renowned Japanese writer of the Taishō period, often hailed as the 'god of the short story.' Born in Tokyo, he was adopted by his uncle and graduated from Tokyo Imperial University with a degree in English literature. Akutagawa is best known for his masterful short stories such as 'Rashōmon,' 'In a Grove,' and 'Kappa,' which explore the dark side of human nature with sharp psychological insight and innovative narrative techniques. His works blend classical Japanese themes with modernist sensibilities, leaving a lasting impact on world literature. Struggling with mental and physical health issues, he died by suicide at age 35. The Akutagawa Prize, established in his honor, remains one of Japan's most prestigious literary awards. more

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“Even with all their threats of eternal damnation and soul roasting, Christian missionaries have run across some who were not so quick to swallow their drivel. Pleasure and pain, like beauty, are in the eye of the beholder. So, when missionaries ventured to Alaska and warned the Eskimos of the horrors of Hell and the blazing lake of fire awaiting transgressors, they eagerly asked: "How do we get there?"!”

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