Philosophy Quote by Kakuzo Okakura — Inspiring Words on Life, Love & Wisdom

“Teaism is a cult founded on the adoration of the beautiful among the sordid facts of everyday existence. It inculcates purity and harmony, the mystery of mutual charity, the romanticism of the social order. It is essentially a worship of the Imperfect, as it is a tender attempt to accomplish something possible in this impossible thing we know as life.”

“The tea-masters held that real appreciation of art is only possible to those who make of it a living influence. Thus they sought to regulate their daily life by the high standard of refinement which obtained in the tea-room. In all circumstances serenity of mind should be maintained, and conversation should be conducted as never to mar the harmony of the surroundings. The cut and color of the dress, the poise of the body, and the manner of walking could all be made expressions of artistic personality. These were matters not to be lightly ignored, for until one has made himself beautiful he has no right to approach beauty. Thus the tea-master strove to be something more than the artist,—art itself.”

“Progress without humility is just destruction in disguise.”

“We thought we were predicting the future.”

“I would rather be an opportunist and float than go to the bottom with my principles around my neck.”

“妳知道嗎？滑雪的跳躍，看起來像是跳得很高，其實是往下跳喔，因為起跳點的角度是負的⋯⋯ 我認為，跳躍不只是在追求高度。”

“Be a surfer. Watch the ocean. Figure out where the big waves are breaking and adjust accordingly.”

“You can recognize a small truth because its opposite is a falsehood. The opposite of a great truth is another truth.”