Tag Archives: Natsume Soseki

Lose the I, keep the cat

則天去私soku.ten.kyo.shi Literally: follow – sky – leave – private / I Alternately: Giving up one’s egotism and selfish desires, and living in accordance with the natural order. Notes: This phrase is attributed to Natsume Soseki, who in his later years … Continue reading

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The softest immolation

鳴かぬ蛍が身を焦がす (Nakanu hotaru ga mi wo kogasu; “The silent firefly burns itself”) Definition: Those who feel the most deeply are silent, while those who talk the most are often shallow in their thoughts and feelings. “Light cares speak, great ones … Continue reading

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment