Arthur Golden
Born: 12-05-1956
Arthur Golden is an American author best known for his bestselling novel "Memoirs of a Geisha," published in 1997. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1956, Golden earned a degree in Japanese Art and History from Harvard University and a Master's in Japanese History from Columbia University. His extensive study of Japanese culture and history significantly influenced his writing, bringing to life the intricate world of geisha in pre-World War II Japan.
Book summaries for books written by Arthur Golden
Quotes
Remember, Chiyo, geisha are not courtesans, and we're not wives. We sell our skills, not our bodies. We create another secret world, a place only of beauty. The very word 'geisha' means artist and to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art.
A geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, sings, and entertains you. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret.
Happiness is a choice. It cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.
We may not always be able to control our circumstances, but we can always control how we think and feel about them. You have a choice. You can choose joy over despair.
The heart dies a slow death, shedding each hope like leaves until one day there are none. No hopes. Nothing remains.
A life with no vices has no virtues.
A true geisha is not afraid to smile when she feels sad, or show vulnerability when she feels strong.
A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.
Without loyalty, there can be no love.
Being different isn’t a bad thing. It means you’re brave enough to be yourself.
You don't become a geisha overnight. It takes a long time and a lot of hard work.
In life, there are moments when you must give up something you love in order to gain something of greater value.