An Artist of The Floating World

by Kazuo Ishiguro

If one has failed only where others have not had the courage or will to try, there is a consolation – indeed, a deep satisfaction – to be gained from this observation when looking back over one’s life.

The best things, he always used to say, are put together of a night and vanish with the morning.

When one holds convictions deeply enough, there surely comes a point when it is despicable to prevaricate further.

It was a profound sense of happiness deriving from the conviction that one’s efforts have been justified; that the hard work undertaken, the doubts overcome, have all been worthwhile; that one has achieved something of real value and distinction.