Japanese Prints

A certain person has said, that accomplishments in which skill is not attained by the age of fifty should be abandoned. Their zealous study will bring them to no goal. People cannot laugh at an old man, and for him to mix with the multitude is a pitiful and
unpleasant sight.

It is better altogether, and more seemly, to give up all tasks and be at leisure. He is of low understanding who spends a whole life irked by common worldly matters. If there is a thing you feel is desirable, then, though you may have it taught you, it is well to withdraw when once, knowing the substance thereof, you are no longer in darkness. But to withdraw without having had any desire from the first - that is best of all.