Books: “Kokoro” by Natsume Soseki

“Kokoro” literally means “heart,” but as a sentiment, the phrase, “in the heart of things,” is its closest resemblance. The narrator writes of his relationship with his sensei (a highly regarded person) who is a modern intellectual with a hidden secret, and of his relationship with his parents, simple-minded country folk who still uphold old traditions. The narrator is caught between admiration for his sensei, and filial loyalty to his parents.

Soseki’s writing is simple, quiet and subtle. And while his novels can be read through quite easily, its depth is revealed through slow and careful reflection. Perhaps an apt analogy is to liken his novellas to the tea ceremony; tea can be made in haste, but the ceremony purposely slows the process, so to find beauty in simplicities.

“Through cunning I have won. But as a man, I have lost.”