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apparent in every single brush stroke, for he is concerned with trying to highlight exactly what it is about the corner of creation he is embracing that has inspired him.

p89

Instead of leaving well alone, they try with all their might to get the nakedness to scream out to you from the canvas. When art is carried to such lengths it debases itself by coercing the people who look at it. If you struggle to make a thing of perfect beauty appear more beautiful, you will only succeed in detracting from it. This idea is expressed with regard to everyday life, in the proverb: 'From Perfection there is only one road - down.'

p106-7

Japan produces her works of art with

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the attitude of a pick-pocket while in the west everything must be on a grand scale, and is inseparable from the material world.

p111

Modern civilization uses every possible means to develop individuality, and having done so, tries everything in its power to stamp it out. It allots a few square yeards[sic.] to each person, and tells him that he is free to lead his life as he pleases within that area. At the same time it erects railing around him, and threatens him with all sorts of dire consequences if he should dare to take but one step beyond their compass. It is only natural that the man who has freedom within the confines of his allocated plot, should desire to have freedom to do as he wishes outside it too. Civilization's pitiable subjects are forever snapping and