The ancient sages never put their teachings in systematic form. They spoke in paradoxes, for they were afraid of uttering half-truths. They began by talking like fools and ended up making their hearers wise.

Tea ... is a religion of the art of life.

We classify too much and enjoy too little.

Fain would we remain barbarians, if our claim to civilization were to be based on the gruesome glory of war.

In joy or sadness flowers are our constant friends.

ينطوي الشاي على سحر خفي يجعله لا يقاوم ويمنحه القدرة على إسباغ الإحساس بالمثالية . فالشاي ينأى بنفسه عن غطرسة النبيذ ، وعن غرور القهوة ، وعن البراءة المتكلفة في نبتة الكاكاو ..