"Classic France is a country of nuance with a love of conversation and freedom and an aversion to fanaticism. Contemporary Houellebecq describes France as a museum, where landscape turns into decor and where rural areas are emptying out."
"Classic Man'yoshu, the oldest extant collection of Japanese poetry, reflects a diversity of voices from emperors to commoners. They bow their heads to the majesty of nature, weep at the loss of loved ones and find pathos in death."
"The essence of Japanese literature might lie in brevity: waka, haiku and short stories. There's a tradition of cherishing words that seem to well up from the depths of the heart, imbued with warmth."
"In the final canto, Shiva and his wife, the goddess Parvati, have the most electrifying sex for days on end, illustrating the paradox of love and destruction."
France is characterized by its nuanced culture, love for conversation, and aversion to fanaticism. Montaigne emphasizes personal reflection, while Houellebecq critiques the divide between the Parisian elite and the disoriented rural population. Japanese literature, particularly the Man'yoshu, showcases diverse voices and a deep connection to nature and emotion. The tradition of brevity in Japanese poetry, such as waka and haiku, captures profound sentiments. The epic Sanskrit poem illustrates the paradox of love and destruction through the story of Shiva and Kama, culminating in a powerful love narrative.
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