“It is when operating on the elements furnished us by common sense that we are able to discern the quality of the object of our attention.

“One day, a sage, whom people gladly consulted, was asked by what means he had learned to know so well the exact proportion of things, so that he never failed to attribute to them their real value.

“‘Why’ they added, ’can you foresee so exactly the evil and direct us to that which is right and just?’

“And the superstitious people added: 

“’Are you not in communication with the spirits, which float in space, which come from the other world?

“Would you not be counseled by voices which we have not the power to hear, and do you not see things which are visible to you alone?’

“‘You are right,’ replied the saintly man, smiling: 

“’I have indeed the power to hear and to see that which you do not perceive; but sorcery has no relation to the power which is attributed to me.

“If you wish, you will be able to possess it in your turn, for my means are not a secret.

“‘I keep my eyes and ears open.’

“And as every one burst out laughing, believing it a joke, the sage began again: 

“’But this is not all; after having seen and heard, I call to my aid all the qualities which constitute common sense and, thanks to this faculty, I draw my conclusions from my experience, from which enthusiasm, fancy, as well as personal interest are totally excluded.

“’This done, and my judgment being formulated in my thought, I adapt it to the circumstances, and especially to the material situation and to the mentality of those who consult me.’

“From these counsels,” thinks the Shogun, “we must draw a precious lesson.

“It is true that an exigency, physical or moral, can determine, in different individuals, a very different resolution.

“According to the manner of life adopted, or the direction given to one’s duties, different resolutions can be made without lacking common sense.  It is indisputable that what represents social obligations does not demand the same conduct from the peasant as from the prince.

“We should outrage common sense in presenting a workman with a gorgeous robe suitable for great ceremonies, in which to do his work, but reason would be equally outraged if one put on a shabby costume to go to the palace of the Mikado.”

The nature of resolutions inspired by common sense varies according to environment, the time, and the state of mind in which one is.

These conditions make of this quality a virtue really worth acquiring, for it is more difficult to conquer than many others and its effects are of infinite variety.

But as always, Yoritomo, after having signaled the danger, and indicated the remedy, gives us the manner of its application.

That which follows is marked by that simplicity of conception and facility of execution which render the doctrine of the Nippon philosopher absolutely efficacious.