Why can’t people get along without criticizing one another?” Urashima shakes his head as he ponders this rudimentary question. “Never have the bush clover blooming on the beach, nor the little crabs who skitter o’er the sand, nor the wild geese resting their wings in yonder cove found fault with me. Would that human beings too were thus! Each individual has his own way of living. Can we not learn to respect one another’s chosen way? One makes every effort to live in a dignified and proper manner, without harming anyone else, yet people will carp and cavil and try to tear one down. It’s most vexing.Osamu Dazai
About This Quote
Urashima Taro was an interesting person. He was, among other things, a crab fisherman, a beekeeper, and a seaweed collector. He also knew how to read the stars, and he was considered to be a wise man. This passage shows how Urashima is not just wise but also an optimist about the world.
He does not criticize people for their flaws or shortcomings, but rather tries to understand them. We all have our flaws and shortcomings, but it’s possible to learn from them without passing harsh judgments on others. It’s unfortunate that people do not treat each other with respect instead of criticism.
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