The Decay of the Angel - Yukio Mishima

“I don’t feel any great need for them.”
“That’s no answer at all. If you give that sort of
answer people will think you queer. Now, then. Give
me a proper answer.”
Tōru was silent.
“It won’t do. Studying will do you no good if you
don’t use common sense. This is the sort of answer
you should give, as pleasantly as can be: ‘I’m studying
so hard that I really don’t have time at the moment for
friends, but I’m sure I’ll have some as soon as I start
prep school.’”
“I’m studying so hard that I really don’t have time at
the moment for friends, but I’m sure I’ll have some as
soon as I start prep school.”
“That’s it, that’s it. That’s the style. And all of a
sudden the conversation turns to art. ‘Who is your
favorite Italian artist?’”
There was no answer.
“Who is your favorite Italian artist?”
“Mantegna.”
“No, no. You’re far too young for Mantegna.
Probably your table companion has never heard of
Mantegna, and you’ll make him uncomfortable, and
give an unpleasant impression of precociousness.
This is how you answer. ‘I think the Renaissance is
just wonderful.’”