re: #1 wheat-dogg

I had the same first impression. Then I read it again and tried to reconcile the points that seem to link well and found too many to dismiss. I think success in the absence of power makes humans soft. The nicer lifestyle is easier almost by definition. Perspective starts to come from a rather spoiled starting point. Okay to be spoiled I supposed but perhaps not to act spoiled?

I can’t speak to Japanese anything, I have no idea. Not even been there.