They are (all) true. Both the sword and the chrysanthemum are a part of the picture. The Japanese are, to the highest degree, both aggressive and unaggressive, both militaristic and aesthetic, both insolent and polite, rigid and adaptable, submissive and resentful of being pushed around, loyal and treacherous, brave and timid, conservative, and hospitable to new ways. They are terribly concerned about what other people will think of their behavior and they are also overcome by guilt when other people know nothing of their misstep.(1, p 2)