We have Grusha-san as our guest

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anna_yu

26 days ago • translated from Russian, show original

Especially for listeners of Manul Radio, we recorded an interview with Grusha, a renowned philosopher and thinker from the island of Hokkaido.

Grusha in Asahiyama Zoo

— Grusha-sensei, tell us, what philosophical problem are you working on right now?

— Right now, I am pondering what a manul is. And do you know what conclusion I came to?

A manul is not one who puts its paws on its tail, but one who is a manul.

— Because red pandas can do that too?

— Precisely.

****

— Grusha-san, tell us about your new book.

— Thank you for that unexpected question. Recently, I wrote a book entitled "My Leaps and Falls." It is devoted to my difficult journey through life. And I will tell you this: I did not always end up on the top shelf. Sometimes I had to find myself on the floor as well.

Grusha in Asahiyama Zoo

— That must be a very difficult experience.

— I will put it this way: Those who have not fallen have not risen; those who have not leapt have not taken a running start. 

Grusha in Asahiyama Zoo, July 3, 2026

Author: hiroki-manul_photoalbum

— And how did you manage to land on your paws every time after falling?

— I will say this: If your body is round, you can roll toward your goal.

***

Grusha in Asahiyama Zoo

— Grusha-sensei, your wisdom is astounding. But will you be able to pass it on to the next generation?

— Recently, I acquired a student, a young fellow from the south. He is studying to become a general at a military academy. I allowed him to move into my summer residence. And do you know what he does? He spends his time catching flies. When I was young, I did that too, but then I realized I could delegate that work to the staff. Now my cook prepares mice stuffed with flies for me. Have you tried them? Very tasty!

— I think I would still prefer chicken...

— Are you hinting at my ex? I will tell you this:

You cannot sew a pika's tail back on.

That chapter is closed for me. I have turned the page.

— You cannot put quail feathers back in?

— You understood my point exactly.