Why do you weep, child? We of the Floating World live only for the moment, giving all our time to the pleasures of cherry blossoms and snow and maple leaves, the calling of a cricket, the beauty of the moon, waning and growing and being reborn, singing our songs and drinking cha and saké, knowing perfumes and the touch of silks, caressing for pleasure, and drifting, always drifting. Listen, child: never sad, always drifting as a lily on the current in the stream of life. How lucky you are, Kiku-chan, you're a Princess of , the Floating World, drift, live for the moment. . . .
In this quote from James Clavell's "Shōgun," the speaker addresses a child, expressing the philosophy of life in the Floating World. This way of living emphasizes seizing the moment and indulging in the ephemeral beauty surrounding us, such as cherry blossoms, the moon, and the sounds of nature. The characters find joy in simple pleasures like music, tea, and silk, embracing life’s transient nature.
The speaker encourages the child, Kiku-chan, to appreciate her status as a Princess of the Floating World. The message relays the idea that life should be enjoyed with a carefree spirit, akin to a lily floating gently on a stream. It is a reminder to cherish present experiences rather than succumb to sadness, highlighting the importance of living spontaneously and fully in each moment.
