“After the Meiji restoration in 1868, Japan adopted an expansionist and...” — Martin Jacques Quote

“After the Meiji restoration in 1868, Japan adopted an expansionist and colonial attitude towards its neighbours. It sought to identify itself with the West and looked down upon the Asian continent as backward and inferior. For most of the next 70 years, Japan was at war, mainly with its neighbours.”

“Just six years into the 21st century, one can say this is not shaping up to be anything like an American century. Rather, the U.S. seems much more likely to be faced with a very different kind of future: how to manage its own imperial decline.”

“The pool is terrible, but that doesn't have much to do with my record swims. That's all mental attitude.”

“As a player, if your attitude is questioned, it's horrible.”

“Mainly what I learned from Buddy... was an attitude. He loved music, and he taught me that it shouldn't have any barriers to it.”