It is in general the unexplored that attracts us. Murasaki Shikibu More Quotes by Murasaki Shikibu More Quotes From Murasaki Shikibu Some ... have imagined that by arousing a baseless suspicion in the mind of the beloved we can revive a waning devotion. But this experiment is very dangerous. Those who recommend it are confident that so long as resentment is groundless one need only suffer it in silence and all will soon be well. I have observed however that this is by no means the case. Murasaki Shikibu jealousy long mean The wood-carver can fashion whatever he will. Yet his products are but toys of the moment, to be glanced at in jest, not fashioned according to any precept or law. When times change, the carver too will change his style and make new trifles to hit the fancy of the passing day. But there is another kind of artist, who sets more soberly about his work, striving to give real beauty to the things which men actually use and to give to them the shape which tradition has ordained. This maker of real things must not for a moment be confused with the maker of idle toys. Murasaki Shikibu confused fashion real In a certain reign there was a lady not of the first rank whom the emperor loved more than any of the others. The grand ladies with high ambitions thought her a presumptuous upstart, and lesser ladies were still more resentful. Everything she did offended someone. Murasaki Shikibu reign ambition book Stepmothers in books usually behave very spitefully towards the children entrusted to them. But he was now learning by his own experience that in real life this does not always happen. Murasaki Shikibu family real children Intimacy between stepchildren and stepparents is indeed proverbially difficult. Murasaki Shikibu intimacy difficult family How much the more in judging of the human heart should we distrust all fashionable airs and graces, all tricks and smartness, learnt only to please the outward gaze Murasaki Shikibu judging air heart Foolish indeed are those who trust to fortune. Murasaki Shikibu foolish fortune inspirational You that in far-off countries of the sky can dwell secure, look back upon me here; for I am weary of this frail world's decay. Murasaki Shikibu sky country looks It is indeed in many ways more comfortable to belong to that section of society whose action are not publicly canvassed and discussed Murasaki Shikibu sections action way No penance can your hard heart find save such as you long since have taught me to endure Murasaki Shikibu penance heart long