Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Yasunari Kawabata

Quote by Yasunari Kawabata

Work

The Master of Go

In a society where the game of Go is revered and deeply integrated into daily life, 'The Master of Go' explores the life of a young player who aspires to greatness. The story delves into the intricate details of the game, its rich history, and the profound impact it has on the characters' lives. The novel is a meditation on skill, determination, and the pursuit of mastery, set against the backdrop of a world where Go transcends mere entertainment. more

Author

Yasunari Kawabata
Yasunari Kawabata

Yasunari Kawabata was a renowned Japanese novelist born on June 14, 1899, and passed away on April 16, 1972. His works are known for their delicate emotional descriptions and unique cultural background of Japan, making him an indispensable figure in the history of Japanese literature. more

You May Also Like

“I've been mistaken to assume that in this little village in the spring, so like a dream or a poem, life is a matter only of the singing birds, the falling blossoms, and the bubbling springs. The real world has crossed mountains and seas and is bearing down even on this isolated village, whose inhabitants have doubtless lived here in peace down the long stretch of years ever since they fled as defeated warriors from the great clan wars of the twelfth century. Perhaps a millionth part of the blood that will dye the wide Manchurian plains will gush from this young man's arteries, or seethe forth at the point of the long sword that hangs at his waist. Yet here this young man sits, beside an artist for whom the sole value of human life lies in dreaming. If I listen carefully, I can even hear the beating of his heart, so close are we. And perhaps even now, within that beat reverberates the beating of the great tide that is sweeping across the hundreds of miles of that far battlefield. Fate has for a brief and unexpected moment brought us together in this room, but beyond that it speaks no more.”

“14. Hateful Things: Someone has suddenly fallen ill and one summons the exorcist. Since he is not home, one has to send messages to look for him. After one has had a long fretful wait, the exorcist finally arrives, and with a sigh of relief one asks him to start his incantations. But perhaps he has been exorcising too many evil spirits recently; for hardly has he installed himself and begun praying when his voice becomes drowsy. Oh, how hateful!”