#7071

Mentioned in 8 episodes

In Praise of Shadows

Book • 1933

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki

In 'In Praise of Shadows', Jun'ichirō Tanizaki delves into the essence of Japanese aesthetics, highlighting the beauty of shadows and the subtlety of traditional Japanese culture.

The essay contrasts the Western pursuit of light and clarity with the Eastern appreciation of darkness and nuance, discussing topics from architecture to food and theater.

Mentioned by

Joshua Michael Schrei

Takero Shimazaki

Mentioned in 8 episodes

Recommended by

Tony Fadell

as a short book offering insights into pre-industrial and post-industrial life in Japan, focusing on details often overlooked.

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Recommended by

David Epstein

as a meditative, design-focused essay he recently enjoyed.

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Mentioned by

Joshua Michael Schrei

in relation to how electric light has made it harder for people to perceive animate beings that dwell in shadows.

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Mentioned by

Wessie du Toit

when discussing Japanese aesthetics and vulgarity in writing.

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Mentioned by

Takero Shimazaki

when discussing Japanese appreciation of dim, textured light and traditional materials as an aesthetic reference.

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Mentioned by

Jason Fried

as his favorite book, appreciating its exploration of light, shadow, texture, and space.

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J.F. Martell

references Tanizaki's essay, discussing the idea of positive darkness.

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Mentioned by

Tim Ferriss

, contains gems though boring, discusses Japanese architecture and aesthetics, and use of shadow and darkness.

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Mentioned by

John Barr

in regards to the structure of his second book about Japan.

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Mentioned by

Indy Johar

when discussing philosophies of light and shadow and their relevance to human partiality of knowing.

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