"I am a person who exists in the present and lives in the future."
He thus declared, "All the pain I endure now is for the sake of reaching that 'future.'"
He forsook all pleasures, even casting aside humanity—he severed ties with his own mother, becoming the adopted son of an Elder; he secretly sold his body to nobles and ladies of high birth in exchange for wealth; he openly forgave those who once sought to kill him, and with that wealth and his adoptive father's authority, persuaded or coerced them into contracts, acknowledging harsh "new rules," thereby controlling his young contemporaries.
Once he secured a relatively relaxed environment, he began feverishly absorbing all the knowledge within his reach. This included even etiquette and calligraphy—he strived for perfection in every aspect of his conduct.
