Self-respect, the value of 'face,' is universal but is most pronounced in China, then in Japan where the Confucian ethic is most influential. F. Sionil Jose chinaconfucianethic Change image and share on social
I have always admired teachers because teaching, like the priesthood, medicine and writing, is a vocation. You don't become a teacher because you want wealth. It is the same with writing. F. Sionil Jose admiremedicinepriesthood Change image and share on social
Christianity doesn't demand that we worship our ancestors. If we don't remember our ancestors, then, in all likelihood, we cannot also recall the distant past. F. Sionil Jose ancestorchristianitydemand Change image and share on social
Tourists as well as natives want to see cultural achievements - whether it's the Banaue Terraces, the old churches or museums. F. Sionil Jose achievementbanauechurch Change image and share on social
I find it always pleasurable talking with young people, particularly those aspiring to be writers, out of nostalgia, and because I've always felt that we oldies can learn so much from them and draw from them inspiration in our flagging and rickety years. F. Sionil Jose aspiredrawfelt share on social
At 86, I can easily look back to the last eight decades. Though memory often fails me now, so many images of the past are still clearly polished, and I can yet recall not just an abiding sense of place, but the keen smells, the sensory responses to the events of that past. F. Sionil Jose abidebackdecade share on social
Professional societies are sooner or later fractured by the ego of their leaders. Everyone wants to be president, chairman, CEO; no one wants to be a mere follower. F. Sionil Jose ceochairmanego Change image and share on social
The Japanese bureaucracy is unique. It is also very powerful, although it is now the object of so much criticism. Many of Japan's brightest made it a pillar of strength and continuity. F. Sionil Jose brightbureaucracycontinuity Change image and share on social
Writing is a solitary profession; you are really alone when you write. Then the emotions become well shaped and distinct. But their transition into words must be done deliberately and with rigid artistry. F. Sionil Jose artistrydeliberatelydistinct share on social
Always remember: the alleviation of poverty is never a political or economic issue - it is moral. F. Sionil Jose alleviationeconomicissue Change image and share on social
