I came upon this oldish book by chance and think that I am educated about the way a Japanese scholar saw his country's history and currents that shaped it. Most interesting is the hypotheses for what makes the Japanese as seen by others. The most surprising part is the statement that Japanese people are not good at metaphysical thought and that this is related in some way to the Bushido. What I wonder is to what extent a book comprised of lectures given in the early 20th century could have confirmed or reinforced stereotypes about Japan and its people.
For those inclined to read through a very short book (available for free download in Kindle version) it may help to contemplate why the divine endowments to Japan's first emperor Jimmu were the mirror, the sword and the string of crescent-shaped jewels. Location 212-219
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