Why people recommend it
In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki is a classic 1933 essay by the renowned Japanese novelist that explores aesthetics, architecture, and traditional Japanese perceptions of light, shadow, and dark spaces. On an episode of The Ezra Klein Show titled How to Discover Your Own Taste, which aired on January 9, 2024, Kyle Chayka brought up the essay during the interview. Chayka identified the author as the Japanese novelist Junichiro Tanizaki and highlighted the 1933 publication as his first book recommendation for the audience. The text was introduced as a meaningful contribution to understanding how physical environments and cultural values shape our appreciation of beauty. By sharing this work, Chayka offered listeners a historical and philosophical perspective on aesthetics, contributing to the broader dialogue on how people form their own tastes and interact with the physical and artistic world around them. The reference underscored the enduring relevance of Tanizaki's observations on light and shadow.
Who recommended it
- Kyle Chayka Recommended
Kyle Chayka — 1 mention
“this Japanese novelist jinichiro tanaki 1933 essay In Praise of Shadows”