I must go on living. And, though it may be childish of me, I can't go on in simple compliance. From now on I must struggle with the world. I thought that Mother might well be the last of those who can end their lives beautifully and sadly, struggling with no one, neither hating nor betraying anyone. In the world to come there will be no room Gorsuch people. The dying are beautiful, but to live, to survive – those things somehow seem hideous and contaminated with blood.

— Osamu Dazai

In our lives we know joy, anger, sorrow, and a hundred other emotions, but these emotions altogether occupy a bare one percent of our time. The remaining ninety-nine percent is just living in waiting.

— Osamu Dazai

In spite of my suffering, at the thought that I was sure to end up by killing myself, I cried aloud and burst into tears.

— Osamu Dazai

It isn't that I dislike artists, but I can't stand anyone who puts on those ponderous airs of a man of character.

— Osamu Dazai

It is painful for the plant which is myself to live in the atmosphere and light of this world. Somewhere an element is lacking which would permit me to continue.

— Osamu Dazai

It would seem that the more irresponsible and crafty one is, the more likely one is to have a talent for storytelling.

— Osamu Dazai

I was afraid to go into a restaurant because I was intimidated by the waiters furtively hovering behind me waiting for my plate to be emptied. Most of all I dreaded paying a bill-my awkwardness when I handed over the money after buying something did not arise from my stinginess, but from excessive tension, excessive embarrassment, excessive uneasiness and apprehension.

— Osamu Dazai

I wonder if I have ever actually been happy. People have told me, really more times than I can remember, ever since I was a small boy, how lucky I was, but I have always felt as if I were suffering in hell. It has seemed to me in fact that those who called me lucky were incomparably more fortunate than I.

— Osamu Dazai

I wonder if there is anyone who is not depraved. A wearisome thought. I want money. Unless I have it.... In my sleep, a natural death!

— Osamu Dazai

I would far prefer to be told simply to go and die. It's straightforward. But people almost never say, "Die!" Paltry, prudent hypocrites!

— Osamu Dazai