Cowboy Quote by Tom Robbins
““Can o'Beans was to remark that a comparison between the American Cowpoke and, say, the Japanese samurai, left the cowboy looking rather shoddy. 'Before a samurai went into battle,' Can o' Beans was to say, 'he would burn incense in his helmet so that if his enemy took his head, he would find it pleasant to his nose. Cowboys, on the other hand, hardly ever bathed or changed their crusty clothing. If a samurai's enemy lost his sword, the samurai gave him his extra one so that the fight might continue in a manner honorable and fair. The cowboy's specialty was to shoot enemies in the back from behind a bush. Do you begin to see the difference?' Spoon and Dirty Sock would wonder how Can o' Beans knew so much about samurai. 'Oh, I sat on the shelf next to a box of imported rice crackers for over a month,' Can o' Beans would explain. 'One can learn a lot conversing with foreigners.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins, 1980
The quote humorously contrasts samurai honor with cowboy ruthlessness, highlighting cultural differences in conduct and values.
In simple terms: Samurai are honorable, cowboys are ruthless.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect cultural differences.
Themes
culture
honor
violence
humor
comparison
Mood
playful
critical
Type
anecdotal
satirical
When to use this quote
- reading literature
- cross‑cultural studies
- teaching history
- creative writing
Key Concepts
ethics
cultural relativism
stereotypes
Questions to Reflect On
- How do stereotypes shape our view of others?
- What can we learn from comparing values?
A Different Perspective
The humor may oversimplify complex cultures.
