The Extreme Nature of the Japanese

Japan is a culture with deep traditions.  Some of the ideas which make Japan what it is are enshrined in a famous novel entitled "The Tale of Genji" by Lady Murasaki which dates from the 11th century.  Subsequently, this work has been frequently illustrated to show the ideas which it presents in a most beautiful form.  The actual language of the text is quite beautiful.  However, the novel also demonstrates a fascinating light upon the attitudes of the court nobels during the era when they were the ruler councillors of the Empire.  To understand the culture correctly is to know the refined and captivating beauty which is so characteristic of Japan.

In this classic work the reader sees such people in their casual moments.  Often they were at play and not at work.  It is most obvious that nobel men moved far from the position of warriors who were their ancestors.  Instead, they live in a society with elaborate rules of etiquette and very refined tastes.  Indeed, they sometimes carry their refinement the point of extreme.  The ability to write sophisticated text in the 11th century was a tremendous social hallmark.  So Lady Murasaki truly mirrored her own times.  It would appear that the primary civilization of China had more of an interest in restraint and avoidance of extremes.  This was never exactly shared by the derived civilization of Japan.  In any case, such a classic text is worthy thoughtful consideration today.  It gives the reader an important look inside the Japanese culture of the past.

Best regards from the East,

Harlan Urwiler

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