"Reasoning," he continues, "is a divinity, around which gravitate a whole world of gods, important but inferior to it.
"Among this people of these idols, so justly revered, there is one god which occupies a place apart from the others.
"This god is Common Sense, which gave birth to Reason, and has always been its faithful companion.
"It is, in reality, the controlling force exercising its power to guard reason against the predominating character and nefarious tendencies created by self-interest.
"Common sense compels reason to admit principles whose justice it has already recognized, and, at the same time, incites reason to reject those whose absurdity it has demonstrated.
"Common sense allies itself with reason, in order to make that selection of ideas which personal interest can either set aside entirely or modify by illogical inference.
"Reason obeys certain laws, all of which can be united in one sentiment—common sense."
This statement could be illustrated symbolically by comparing its truth to a fan, whose blades converge toward a central point where they remain fixt.
Applying the precept to the picture, the old Shogun gives the design which we are faithfully copying.
"In this ideal fan," explains Yoritomo, "not only the true reproduction of the qualities directing the progress of knowledge must be perceived, but the symbol of their development must be traced.