Good place Quote by Barry Eisler
““We found a cab. I got in first and she slid in behind me. She told the driver to take us to 3-3-5 Shibuya-ku, south side of Roppongi-dori. I smiled. “Tantra?” I asked. She looked at me, perhaps a little disappointed. “You know it?” “It’s been around for a long time. Good place.” “I didn’t think you’d know it. You’re a little… older.” I laughed. If she’d been trying to get a rise out of me, she had missed the mark. I’m never going to be sensitive about my age. Most of the people I knew when I was younger are already dead. That I’m still breathing is actually a point of pride. “Tantra is like sex,” I told her, smiling a little indulgently. “Every generation thinks it’s the one that discovered it.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Last Empress” (fictional), 2021
The narrator reflects on age, mortality, and cultural knowledge, using a conversation about a club to explore generational pride and humility.
In simple terms: He feels proud of his age and knowledge despite jokes.
Key Takeaway
Own your experience and age.
Themes
age
pride
culture
humility
Mood
reflective
wry
Type
literary
conversational
When to use this quote
- nightlife
- cultural exchange
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
generational perspective
social interaction
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “tantra” symbolize for different ages?
- How do we balance humor with respect for elders?
A Different Perspective
May overgeneralize about generations.
