"In what respect?"
"In kindness, in courtesy, in heroism, in self-control, in power of self-sacrifice, in filial piety, in simple faith, and in the capacity to be contented with a little."
"But would such qualities be sufficient to assure practical success in the struggle of Western life?"
"Not exactly; but some of them would assist."
"The qualities really necessary for practical success in Western life are just those qualities wanting to the old Japanese—are they not?"
"I think so."
"And our old society cultivated those qualities of unselfishness, and courtesy, and benevolence which you admire, at the sacrifice of the individual. But Western society cultivates the individual by unrestricted competition,—competition in the power of thinking and acting."
"I think that is true."
"But in order that Japan be able to keep her place among nations, she must adopt the industrial and commercial methods of the West. Her future depends upon her industrial development; but there can be no development if we continue to follow our ancient morals and manners."
"Why?"