It's a saying they have, that a man has a false heart in his mouth for the world to see, another in his breast to show to his special friends and his… - James Clavell

For a woman, old age is never pretty.

"Always remember, child" her first teacher had impressed on her, "that to think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral you down into ever-increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that need disipline –training- is about. So train your mind to dwell on sweet perfumes, the touch of this silk, tender raindrops against the shoji, the curve of the flower arrangement, the tranquillity of dawn. Then, at length, you won't have to make such a great effort and you will be of value to yourself,…"

- Отново съм хванат на тясно. Каквото и да правя, някой все ще умре. А ако не науча езика ви, цяло едно село ще загине. Не правя ли каквото искате от мен, все някой невинен умира. Не виждам изход.
- Изходът е лесен, Анджин-сан. Умрете. Не сте длъжен да понасяте непоносимото.