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In the bath the attitude toward sex is representative. No…

“In the bath the attitude toward sex is representative. No people have it more firmly in place. They are a bit puritanical sometimes, and a number of prudes exist, but there is no people less prurient. What they are prurient about is money. Some Japanese treat money as we treat sex. But, as for…” quote by Donald Richie
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““In the bath the attitude toward sex is representative. No people have it more firmly in place. They are a bit puritanical sometimes, and a number of prudes exist, but there is no people less prurient. What they are prurient about is money. Some Japanese treat money as we treat sex. But, as for sex—well, there are no young bloods trying to peak over the partition.””

Donald Richie

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote compares how Japanese attitudes toward sex and money are both rigid, suggesting money is a taboo subject akin to sex, with people being more open about sex than about wealth.

In simple terms: Japanese treat sex and money similarly, but are more open about sex.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden taboos around money.

Themes

culture sex money taboos Japanese society

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

observational critical

When to use this quote

  • personal finance discussions
  • relationship counseling
  • cross‑cultural analysis
  • media criticism

Key Concepts

social norms psychology economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your culture treat money versus sex?
  • What barriers prevent open financial conversations?
A Different Perspective

Money can be a more sensitive topic than sex, limiting honest dialogue.

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