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Compassion Quote by Murasaki Shikibu

“To be pleasant, gentle, calm and self-possessed: this is the basis of good taste and charm in a woman. No matter how amorous or passionate you may be, as long as you are straightforward and refrain from causing others embarrassment, no one will mind. But women who are too vain and act…” quote by Murasaki Shikibu
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““ To be pleasant, gentle, calm and self-possessed: this is the basis of good taste and charm in a woman. No matter how amorous or passionate you may be, as long as you are straightforward and refrain from causing others embarrassment, no one will mind. But women who are too vain and act pretentiously, to the extent that they make others feel uncomfortable, will themselves become the object of attention; and once that happens, people will find fault with whatever they say or do; whether it be how they enter a room, how they sit down, how they stand up or how they take their leave. Those who end up contradicting themselves and those who disparage their companions are also carefully watched and listened to all the more. As long as you are free from such faults, people will surely refrain from listening to tittle-tattle and will want to show you sympathy, if only for the sake of politeness. I am of the opinion that when you intentionally cause hurt to another, or indeed if you do ill through mere thoughtless behavior, you fully deserve to be censured in public. Some people are so good-natured that they can still care for those who despise them, but I myself find it very difficult. Did the Buddha himself in all his compassion ever preach that one should simply ignore those who slander the Three Treasures? How in this sullied world of ours can those who are hard done by be expected to reciprocate in kind?””

Murasaki Shikibu

About This Quote

Source Literature: The Tale of Genji, 11th century Japan

Good taste and charm arise from calm, modest behavior; pretentiousness draws criticism and social scrutiny.

In simple terms: Politeness and humility earn respect; vanity invites judgment.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate modesty and avoid flaunting.

Themes

etiteness humility social perception self‑control

Mood

reflective considerate

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • professional networking
  • public speaking
  • social media interactions

Key Concepts

Japanese court etiquette reputation management

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does humility affect your relationships?
  • When does modesty become a disadvantage?
A Different Perspective

Excessive modesty may be mistaken for lack of confidence.

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