What do I want to be when I grow up? An attractive role…
““What do I want to be when I grow up? An attractive role would be that of the bunjin. He is the Japanese scholar who wrote and painted in the Chinese style, a literatus, something of a poetaster - a pose popular in the 18th century. I, however, would be a later version, someone out of the end of the Meiji, who would pen elegant prose and work up flower arrangements from dried grasses and then encourage spiders to make webs and render it all natural. For him, art is a moral force and he cannot imagine life without it. He is also the kind of casual artist who, after a day's work is done, descends into his pleasure park and dallies.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He imagines a future self as a refined, nature‑inspired artist, valuing art as moral force and embracing creative leisure.
In simple terms: He envisions a refined, nature‑inspired artistic life.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate art as moral practice.
Themes
art
nature
identity
creativity
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
philosophical
creative
When to use this quote
- career planning
- creative hobbies
- environmental design
- personal philosophy
Key Concepts
aestheticism
ethical art
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you integrate art into daily life?
- What moral responsibilities does art hold?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize artistic life without practical constraints.