Sci Friday # 99: Visual Inspiration

Images that inspired me

Last week, I talked about the difficulties involved in bonsai and the challenges of writing tight fiction. This week, I’d like to talk about other aspects of art.

What?

A tiny bloom from one of the bonsai trees. The color contrasting with the green pine needles. The tiny buds. The slight wilting of the flower petals.

Why?

To me, those tiny buds speak to me of wabi and sabi.

According to the dictionary, Wabi is “subdued, austere beauty.” And Sabi is “rustic patina.”

Thoroughly confused? I know I am.

“Roll a SANITY check, Matt, at negative 20.” 🤦‍♂️

Most translations stink because to truly translate a concept from one language to another, you have to be immersed in both cultures at the same time.

Example: In Japanese, you have numerous forms for the pronoun “I.”

Boku, Watashi/Watakushi, and Wagahai all mean “I,” with a rising sense of formality from the informal to the extremely formal. They translate poorly into English.

And, back on track, Matt.

I am not immersed deeply enough in both cultures to clarify the term, but the gent in this video does a really good job explaining them.

Readers questions: Questions? No questions today. Just breathe and enjoy the simplicity in your life.

Hope all y’all had a great week. Enjoy the weekend. 👋