Kokoro (Penguin Classics)

The memory of having sat at someone’s feet will later make you want to trample him underfoot,

Sensei was a man who could, indeed must love, yet he was unable to open his arms and accept into his heart another who sought to enter.

My past is my own experience—one might call it my personal property. And perhaps, being property, it could be thought a pity not to pass it on to someone else before I die.

She was not one of those modern women who takes a certain pride in calling attention to the fact that she is intelligent. She seemed to value far more the heart that lies deep within us.

I am telling you because I am now free to. But that freedom will soon be lost forever.

I will not hesitate to cast upon you the shadow thrown by the darkness of human life. But do not be afraid. Gaze steadfastly into this darkness, and find there the things that will be of use to you.

“It’s not you in particular I don’t trust. I don’t trust humanity.”

Just as you can only really smell incense in the first moments after it is lit, or taste wine in that instant of the first sip, the impulse of love springs from a single, perilous moment in time, I feel. If this moment slips casually by unnoticed, intimacy may grow as the two become accustomed to each other, but the impulse to romantic love will be

Just remember that love is a sin. And it is also sacred.”