Wabi Sabi (the imperfection)
Author: Dimitra Didangelou
Publishing House: Iolkos, 2017
(Written and published in Greek language)
Wabi Sabi (The Imperfection) is a collection of short stories interconnected by the themes of decay and imperfection, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi. This philosophy embraces asymmetry, impermanence, and the beauty found in life’s imperfections, encouraging us to see value in what is transient and flawed. It is a celebration of the ephemeral, a reminder that decay is not an end but a marker of life’s ongoing transformation.
Through these narratives, readers are invited to connect with characters who, in their struggles and imperfections, mirror our own. By engaging with their stories, we are encouraged to view our personal flaws and challenges in a new, more compassionate light, discovering the hidden beauty within. This perspective offers a shift in how we perceive ourselves and the world around us, urging us to find meaning and grace in imperfection.
Set against the backdrop of a Greece grappling with political, economic, and societal decline, the book resonates deeply with readers experiencing the decay and impermanence of their surroundings. It becomes a guide to reframing existence, echoing Epictetus’s wisdom: “It is not things that disturb men, but the doctrines of things.”
In a world that often feels fractured, Wabi Sabi offers a path to understanding, acceptance, and renewal.
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