Sit down, boys and girls, and let me tell you a story about a time long, long ago — too long ago, some might say!
Once upon a time, in an age when the famous Japanese Samurai warriors ruled their land, there was something called “SHAME”.
These days, people don’t really know what that is…but historians tell us that it was probably “a feeling that happened when we felt bad about ourselves for something we did”. Can you imagine that!
Say it with me, kids: “SHAME”
Japanese words are so funny!
Any-who….
People felt “SHAME” when they did something wrong when they knew better, or when they disgraced their honor and their country — even if they meant well.
A warrior’s worth, after all, was intertwined with his competence.
So, when a Samurai felt bad inside for something he was responsible for, he would perform a special ritual called “Seppuku”.
Some people say that “Seppuku” means “stomach cutting” or “ritual disembowelment”, but that’s too complicated! So, just remember it this way:
Seppuku was a way that a Samurai could “let the “SORRY!” out” when he did something wrong.
But, before he did, he would usually compose a brief poem that touched upon the temporary nature of the universe and our place in it. Nothing too long like a book. Just something simple that wasn’t focused upon himself.
To do otherwise would compound his — THAT’S RIGHT!– “SHAME”!.
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In totally unrelated news, Douglas Feith was on “The Daily Show” earlier this week and here is the unedited interview:
Part One:
And Part Two:
