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Modern economies are built around growth. Countries want higher GDP, companies want higher profits, and consumers are encouraged to buy more. This model has achieved a great deal. It has supported technological progress, expanded global trade, and helped lift millions of people out of extreme poverty. 

However, it has also created serious problems. Climate change, overconsumption, burnout, and inequality show that growth can come with major costs. This raises the question: should economic growth always be treated as the main goal? 

Buddhist economics offers a different way of thinking. It does not reject capitalism, markets, or development. Instead, it asks what the economy is supposed to serve. From this perspective, economic activity should support human well-being, meaningful work, community, and environmental balance, not growth for its own sake. 

Figure 1: Relationship between GDP per capita and self-reported life satisfaction, 2024. 

The Achievements and Problems of Modern Capitalism 

Any serious discussion of Buddhist economics must recognize what capitalism has achieved. Market competition has helped drive innovation, technology, and global trade. Economic growth has also helped reduce poverty. Since the 1990s, extreme poverty has fallen sharply, partly because of market-based growth and international trade. 

Still, capitalism can damage the well-being it claims to improve. Consumer culture has created a constant desire to buy more. Advertising, social media, and changing trends encourage people to replace products long before they need to, creating waste in areas such as fashion and electronics. 

The workplace shows a similar problem. Many economies are more productive than ever, yet many workers experience stress, exhaustion, and burnout. A society can produce more while still leaving people overworked and dissatisfied. This is one of the contradictions Buddhist economics tries to address. 

As E. F. Schumacher wrote in Small Is Beautiful: “The economy should serve people. People should not serve the economy.” 

Schumacher and Buddhist Economics 

The modern idea of Buddhist economics is closely linked to E. F. Schumacher’s Small Is Beautiful, published in 1973. Schumacher argued that conventional economics made a mistake by treating labour mainly as a cost and consumption mainly as a benefit. In reality, work can provide purpose and a way to contribute to society. At the same time, consumption does not automatically create happiness, especially once basic needs have been met. 

This connects to the Buddhist idea of “right livelihood.” In economic terms, right livelihood means that work should help people develop their abilities, support the community, and provide a dignified life. Work that harms people, communities, or the environment should not be considered successful only because it is profitable. 

Another important idea is “enoughness.” Modern economies often assume that more is always better, more income, production, consumption, and growth. Buddhist economics challenges this assumption. It suggests that after a certain point, having more may create stress, waste, and environmental damage instead of improving life quality. 

This idea is supported by happiness economics. Research associated with Richard Easterlin suggests that once people reach a certain level of income and security, extra income has a weaker effect on life satisfaction. Growth matters most when it helps people meet real needs. Beyond that point, its benefits become less clear. 

Figure 2: The Easterlin Paradox: beyond a moderate income threshold, further wealth yields diminishing gains in reported well-being. 

Where These Ideas Are Already Being Tested 

Some Buddhist economic principles are already being used, directly or indirectly, in different parts of the world. 

Japan is an interesting case because it challenges the idea that slow GDP growth always means social failure. For decades, Japan has had weaker growth than many developed economies, yet it still performs well in life expectancy, safety, infrastructure, and social stability. Japanese culture also includes ideas that connect with Buddhist economics. Ikigai, often translated as a sense of purpose, reflects meaning in daily life. Mottainai, linked to regret over waste, reflects respect for resources. Japan is not a perfect example, but it shows that a society can value purpose, balance, and stability while still being a major advanced economy. 

Iceland provides another useful example. Between 2015 and 2019, it tested shorter working hours for thousands of employees. Many workers moved from a 40-hour week to around 35 or 36 hours, without losing pay. In many workplaces, productivity stayed the same or improved, while workers reported less stress and better work-life balance. This challenges the idea that longer hours always mean better economic results. 

Bhutan is probably the clearest example of Buddhist economics in national policy. Since the 1970s, Bhutan has used Gross National Happiness, or GNH, to guide development. Instead of judging progress only through GDP, GNH considers health, education, culture, environment, time use, well-being, and community life. Bhutan’s approach asks whether development genuinely improves people’s lives, rather than only whether it increases income. 

What Could Be Applied? 

Many Buddhist economic ideas already appear in mainstream economics and business. ESG investing, for example, considers environmental, social, and governance factors alongside financial returns. 

Another example is the circular economy. Instead of designing products to be used briefly and thrown away, circular models aim to repair, reuse, and recycle materials. This reflects the Buddhist concern with avoiding waste and respecting limited resources. 

There is also growing interest in moving beyond GDP as the main measure of national success. Indexes such as the OECD Better Life Index, the UN Human Development Index, and the World Happiness Report measure progress more broadly, including health, education, life satisfaction, inequality, and environmental quality. 

These approaches do not require countries to abandon capitalism. They suggest that markets need better goals and limits. Economic activity can still involve innovation, trade, and profit, but it should be guided by a wider understanding of well-being. 

Criticisms and Limitations 

Buddhist economics also has weaknesses. The first problem is that modern welfare states often depend on economic growth. Healthcare, pensions, education, and public services require tax revenue. If growth slows too much, governments may struggle to fund these systems, especially in countries with older populations. 

The second problem is measurement. GDP is limited, but it is clear and easy to compare across countries. Happiness, well-being, and life satisfaction are harder to measure because they can be influenced by culture, expectations, and personal circumstances. 

The third problem is competition. A company that reduces working hours, pays higher wages, or limits environmental damage may face higher costs than competitors that do not. This means some principles may only work widely if governments create shared rules or countries cooperate internationally. 

These criticisms do not mean Buddhist economics should be ignored. They show that it must be applied carefully. The point is not to stop growth, but to think more clearly about when growth helps, when it causes harm, and how economies can focus more on people’s real needs. 

The Purpose of the Economy 

The most important contribution of Buddhist economics is that it asks what growth is for. If the purpose of an economy is human flourishing, then GDP alone is not enough. People also need meaningful work, time to rest, stable communities, fair opportunities, and a healthy environment. 

Capitalism has produced enormous wealth and innovation. But its current form also encourages overconsumption, overwork, and environmental damage. Buddhist economics does not offer a complete replacement for capitalism. However, it reminds us that economies are tools, not ends in themselves. 

The lesson taken from this article is not that societies should stop developing, but that development should be judged by whether it genuinely improves human life. Buddhist economics is not a rejection of capitalism, but a challenge to make it more humane and sustainable. 

Sources 

Schumacher, E. F. (1973). Small Is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered. 

World Bank. (2024). Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report 2024. 

Our World in Data. (2024). Self-reported life satisfaction vs. GDP per capita. 

Easterlin, R. A., McVey, L. A., Switek, M., Sawangfa, O., & Zweig, J. S. (2010). The happiness–income paradox revisited. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 

Autonomy & Alda. (2021). Going Public: Iceland’s Journey to a Shorter Working Week. 

OECD. (2024). Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index. 

Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. Gross National Happiness. 

OECD. Better Life Index. 

UNDP. Human Development Index / Human Development Reports..   

Theme: Economics 

The Brain – a Masterpiece of Variability 

In recent years, organisations have increasingly recognised the value of neurodiverse employees, leading to the implementation of inclusive hiring and workplace practices. The term refers to the recognition that neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations are natural variations of the human brain rather than deficits. Despite the recognition of neurodiversity, challenges remain, containing biases in recruitment, workplace adaptation, and the reliance on the idea that neurodiversity should primarily be considered from a business perspective. This form of ‘framing’ displays neurodiversity in terms of economic advantage, which can be problematic as it does not acknowledge the need for equity and inclusion in the workplace.

 The Business Case for Neurodiversity: Strengths and Limitations 

One of the primary motivations for organisations to embrace neurodiversity is its potential to enhance business outcomes. Research suggests that neurodiverse employees can bring unique problem-solving skills, enhanced pattern recognition, and creativity to organisations. Large corporations such as SAP, Microsoft, and JPMorgan Chase have implemented neurodiverse hiring programs with success, specifically in fields requiring attention to detail and logical problem-solving. These programs have improved productivity, innovation, and workplace diversity. 

Despite these advantages, relying only on the business case for neurodiversity presents significant risks. When inclusion is framed solely in terms of economic gain, it reinforces the idea that employment is justified only if measurable performance benefits are demonstrated. This approach can contribute to the commercialisation of neurodiverse employees, characterising them as extraordinary talents while ignoring other needs and rights. Rather than focusing solely on business benefits, neurodiversity should be approached as a fundamental aspect of workplace equity and inclusion.

Common Barriers to Employment for Neurodiverse Individuals

Although awareness of neurodiversity has grown, neurodivergent individuals continue to face significant barriers to employment. One of the most common obstacles is the recruitment and hiring process, which is often not adapted to neurodiverse candidates. Traditional hiring methods, such as structured interviews, frequently disadvantage individuals with neurological differences. For instance, many individuals with autism may struggle with social interaction and eye contact, which can be mistakenly perceived as a lack of competence or enthusiasm. Some companies have recognised this issue and have implemented alternative recruitment methods, such as work trials and skills-based assessments, to ensure fairer evaluations of neurodivergent candidates.

Another significant hurdle is the difficulty neurodivergent employees face when adapting to traditional workplace environments. Many workplaces are designed with neurotypical employees in mind, which can create challenges for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Common issues include excessive noise, bright lighting, constrained work schedules, and communication styles that do not align with the needs of neurodivergent individuals. Facing these challenges requires specific workplace adjustments, such as providing flexible workspaces, implementing quiet rooms, and offering alternative communication tools to ensure an inclusive and supportive environment. 

Apart from structural issues, stigma and a lack of awareness remain challenges. Many neurodivergent employees experience discrimination or misunderstanding in the workplace, often due to stereotypes and misconceptions about their abilities. Workplace cultures that prioritise social conformity can exclude neurodiverse individuals, leading to underemployment and dissatisfaction. To create a more inclusive work environment, it is essential to build greater awareness and understanding among all employees.

Universal Design: Creating an Inclusive Workplace

To build a truly inclusive workplace, organizations must go beyond individual accommodations and adopt a universal design approach. Universal design refers to the practice of creating workplaces that are accessible and beneficial to all employees, regardless of neurological differences. A key component of universal design is the implementation of flexible workspaces that consider diverse sensory needs. This can include the provision of quiet areas, adjustable lighting, and noise-canceling options to help employees who may struggle with sensory overload.

Another important aspect of universal design is the embedding of alternative communication methods. Many neurodivergent employees benefit from written instructions, visual cues, and assistive technology that help them process information more effectively. Providing multiple communication formats allows employees to engage in ways that align with their strengths. Additionally, offering flexible work schedules can accommodate different working rhythms, ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to contribute in a way that suits their needs. To make these changes effective, managerial training is crucial. Educating supervisors about neurodiversity helps promote inclusive leadership and reduces biases in performance evaluations, ultimately leading to a more supportive work environment.

Success Stories in Neurodiverse Hiring

Several companies have successfully implemented neurodiverse hiring initiatives. SAP, through its Autism at Work Program, has successfully integrated neurodiverse employees into various roles, leading to enhanced problem-solving and innovation. Microsoft’s Neurodiversity Hiring Program focuses on strengths-based hiring, providing specialized training and mentorship to support neurodivergent employees in their professional growth. Similarly, JP Morgan Chase’s Autism at Work Initiative has demonstrated significant improvements in employee retention and job satisfaction by implementing structured support systems tailored to neurodiverse employees’ strengths and challenges. 

These initiatives highlight the importance of structured support, mentorship, and suitable adjustments to create a more inclusive workplace. They also demonstrate that when properly implemented, neurodiverse hiring strategies can lead to beneficial outcomes for both employees and organizations.

A Chance to be Taken Seriously

Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace should not be seen only as a mean to achieve economic gains but as a crucial step towards creating equitable and inclusive employment environments. While the business case argument may serve as an attractive tool for organizations to adopt inclusive practices, it is essential to focus on universal design principles that benefit all employees. Addressing biases in hiring, implementing meaningful workplace adjustments, and enhancing inclusive organisational cultures will not only unlock the full potential of neurodiverse employees but also contribute to a more diverse and innovative workforce. As research and practice continue to evolve, companies must shift from isolated to systemic changes ensuring equity and dignity for all workers including neurodivergent individuals that have equal opportunities to thrive in the workplace.

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Sources

Austin, R. D., & Sonne, T. (2014). Neurodiversity as a competitive advantage. Harvard Business Review, 92(5), 96-103.

Khan, M. H., Grabarski, M. K., Ali, M., & Buckmaster, S. (2022). Insights into creating and managing an inclusive neurodiverse workplace for positive outcomes: A multistage theoretical framework. Group & Organisation Management, 48(5), 1339–1386. https://doi.org/10.1177/10596011221133583

Krzeminska, A., Austin, R. D., Gergen, E., & Mortensen, M. (2019). The advantages and challenges of neurodiversity employment in organisations. Journal of Management & Organization, 25(4), 453-469.

Silver, J., Pilkington, S., & Kerr, M. (2023). Beyond the business case: Universally designing the workplace for neurodiversity and inclusion. Journal of Workplace Inclusion, 12(2), 78-102.

Weber, M., Thompson, C., & Allen, J. (2022). Physical workplace adjustments to support neurodivergent workers: A systematic review. Applied Psychology, 71(4), 890-912.Volpone, S. D., Thomas, K. M., & Avery, D. R. (2022). Addressing stigma and fostering inclusion in neurodiverse workplaces. Diversity & Inclusion Journal, 15(3), 67-89

AI & Tech

After the lunch break, the afternoon began with a talk on AI’s potential in augmenting one’s everyday life, given by Ethan Mollick, Associate Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania & Author of “Co-Intelligence”. Mollick focused his speech on the practical aspects of how new technological tools can transform the world and explores the many strengths around collaboration between businesses and AI.

Health and Longevity

Health and Longevity is once more the star of the day, with the many talks around health beginning with Dr. Andre Kalil, Professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Division of Infectious Diseases, discussing how global health security can be strengthened by through innovative strategies and collaborative approaches.

Daniel Solomon, a Rheumatologist, Epidemiologist, and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School also provides some insight on the alliance between health and technology, introducing the audience to the most recent developments in digital health technology, particularly shedding some light on personalized health medicine and population health management.

He brings forward the idea that a tool with patient and provider input may be able to improve health administration. For example, with an app in which patients introduce daily information regarding the evolution of their condition, doctors may be able to follow the development of the patients’ condition and accordingly establish the next appointments, ultimately potentiating reduced waiting periods. The app that Doctor Solomon described included features such as reminders for taking medicine or reliable information regarding the condition so that patients do not use other sources, such as the well-known “Doctor Google”.

This kind of idea not only can be tested for more specializations, as it also can help to broaden societies’ horizon regarding the potential of developing technologies appliance in health management issues.

Still on the topic of health, we move for the type of health that has been gaining more and more momentum: mental health, and particularly mental illness. Jacqueline De Montaigne, a contemporary painter and muralist delves into the deconstruction of the stigma surrounding mental illness through art. The artist starts by opening up on her own problems with mental illness, followed by some statistics: Did you know that it is estimated that than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness? Obviously, this is a common issue, so why isn’t it talked about more often?

De Montaigne explains the importance that canalizing her feelings towards painting and drawing had on her condition. Small things such as the movement of the brush when drawing a feather filled her with increased ease. And there are many celebrities that talked publicly about other ways of processing mental conditions: Lewis Hamilton meditated, for example. In this sense, not only art can create a trigger for discussion of these issues in society, but it can also be used as a tool to deal with them. Before, she too could not believe she was to be where she is now. So, on a final note, the artist reminds the public that anything is possible.

The next talk also takes part in the mental health space, more specifically dealing with the issue of coercion in dealing with mental healthcare.

Deborah Aluh, a Global Mental Health Researcher at Lisbon Institute of Global Mental Health invites us to question the use of coercive or restrictive measures (for example, mechanical restraint or isolation) to deal with certain mental conditions, and instead proposes a community-based care approach. To reduce coercion, she proposes a mental health system reform, a proper training of mental health professionals and the revising of mental health laws. Aluh cited a study that advances that stigma is related to the approval of coercive measures, and, in that sense, challenging stigma also could pose as a way to fight coercion.

Andreas Heddini, Vice President Medical Affairs of AstraZeneca, then proceeds to deliver a speech on the ability that improved healthcare delivery may have on decarbonization of health systems.

“Healthcare is responsible for approximately 5% of carbon dioxide emissions.”

From this premise, the vice president of medical affairs of AstraZeneca proceeds to explain the commitment that the company has been carrying out with healthcare systems in order to drive action in climate, equity and resilience.

Heddini highlights some ways of achieving decarbonization, such as decarbonizing facilities, preventing disease onset, promoting early diagnosis, optimizing disease management, guaranteeing remote care when appropriate and using lower emission treatments.

Afterwhile, it was time for the announcement of the NOVA Hackathon 2024, in partnership with AstraZeneca, Nova Medical School and Nowace. This prize aims to address the necessity to lower CO₂ emissions without compromising patient care. The first price was attributed to Team Number 3, to a project that was based on “personalized ecofriendly medication packaging with AI support, to improve patient understanding, adherence and to reduce waste and carbon emissions.”

In a break from the health thematic, we are presented to the NGO developed by the musician Dino D’Santiago: Mundu Nôbo. The singer and songwriter explain how he prepared a speech in English, but decided to deliver it in Portuguese, the language of his heart.

According to their website, Mundu Nôbo aims to empower and inspire children from less represented communities, such that they´re able to achieve their full potential through education, civic participation and cultural celebration. They do so by establishing contact with artists, athletes and successful professionals, organizing visits to colleges and companies, trying to provide internships and shows, as well as having monitors 24/7 hours available.

In the end, Dino D’Santiago leaves the audience with a song.

Returning to the topic of health, we are introduced to a panel discussion between Leonardo Lotto and Lorraine Ansell, both CEMS alumni. Additionally, Lorraine published a book in which she narrates her pain and respective coping mechanisms. Moderated by Miguel Viana Batista, they enter in a discussion on how chronic pain affected their lives and professional ambitions.

The panel discusses the differences between their conditions, specifically addressing the fact that Lorraine endures an invisible and dynamic condition. Being a woman in such a position also comes with challenges: Particularly often feeling overlooked and having her pain ignored. Lorraine confesses the difficulty in trying to convince doctors of her pain. They then address the importance of accessibility and technology in society.

Close to the end, there is the attribution of the awards for the 6th Patient Innovation Awards Ceremony.

The concept behind the ceremony is introduced by Nova SBE’s Dean, Pedro Oliveira.

In the category of “Patient – Caregiver Innovator”, there is an award attributed by Sir Richard Roberts, 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Laureate to the alumna Beatriz Batista and her caregiver Adília Oliveira. Beatriz shares an impactful speech in which she explains the development of her disease and how she was able to adapt through difficulty.

The award for the category “Caregiver Innovator” was attributed by Maria Antónia Almeida Santos, President of the Faculty Council at NOVA Medical School to Reality Telling.

For the category “Collaborator Innovator”, João Sáagua, Rector of the Nova University of Lisbon delivered the award to the CEO & Founder of Janitri Innovations.

Lastly, Hans Jørgen Wiberg, the founder of Be My Eyes won in the category for “Patient Innovator”. He developed an app in which people with visual disabilities can request assistance from volunteers, such that, for a few seconds, they become their eyes. For example, if one needs accessing whether the milk as expired or not, they had the possibility to ask a volunteer to read the date through the app.

The session ended with the closing remarks of Nuno Piteira Lopes, Vice-President of the Municipality of Cascais and Ana Paula Martins, the Minister of Health. To say goodbye to this 9^th edition of the Estoril Conferences, the fado singer Teresinha Landeiro, a Nova SBE alumna, performed.

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Explore the cinematic translation of your favorite books, from page to screen, as we recommend two movies that align with their style and core content! 

George Orwell, 1984 – Children of Men and Snowpiecer 

For lovers of the 1984 novel, the movie Children of Men (2006) offers a dystopian vision of world chaos, exploring societal control and an upsetting perspective of the future, aligning itself with the novel’s core themes. Snowpiercer (2013) also questions the class struggles of a forcefully confined society and resonates with matters of oppressive regimes and resistance. 

Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice – Jane Eyre and Atonement 

If one is into period dramas, Jane Eyre (2011) and Atonement (2007) are nice suggestions. The intertwining themes of love and morality are a common aspect between all the pieces. Much like in Jane Austen’s novels, a vocal point of the films is their portrayal of a happy ending and its significance. 

Sally Rooney, Normal People – The Worst Person in The World and Before Sunrise 

The contemporary bestseller Normal People delves into the complexity of relationships, with recurrent themes as intimacy and growth. The Worst Person in the World (2021) and Before Sunrise (1995) are strongly suited to those who enjoyed the book. 

Gale Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine – Silver Linings Playbook and Lost in Translation 

For enthusiasts of Honeyman’s romance, Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine, which delves into mental health and unconventional connections, the movie Silver Linings Playbook (2012), is a striking movie choice for a cozy night in. Lost in Translation (2003) is another alternative which beautifully captures instances of loneliness and unexpectedly powerful connections, complementing the book’s themes of personal growth and the impact of human relationships. 

Jeff Vandermeer, Annihilation – Solaris and Blade Runner 

The mind-bending world of sci-fi classic, Solaris (1972) will tastefully suit the favoured characteristics of the 2014 novel Annihilation, which could also be associated with themes of self-destruction and the way one’s past shapes the present. A dive into the visually stunning landscapes of Blade Runner (1982) echoes the themes of identity and existential questioning inherent to the novel.  

Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life – Aftersun and Blue Valentine 

A Little Life is considered by many one of the saddest contemporary pieces of literature. If in a mood for a good cry, Aftersun (2022) and Blue Valentine (2010) are a way to go. Aftersun dives into the memory lane of a father-daughter vacation, while he was struggling mentally. Blue Valentine depicts the impact of the past on relationships.   

Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray – Portrait of a Lady on Fire and The Prestige 

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) resembles The Picture of Dorian Gray through the great emphasis both pieces put into art and the thematic of the artist and the muse. On the other hand, The Prestige (2006) scrutinizes topics such as obsession and jealousy, also very much present in the novel. 

Joël Dicker, The Baltimore Boys – Dead Poets Society and Stand by Me 

The Dead Poets Society (1989) resonates with themes of self-discovery and the impact of literature, which are ever-present within the novel, with both culminating in a tragic aftermath. The movie Stand by Me (1986) is also an astounding watch for keen readers of the Swiss writer’s novels, as it focuses on the power of childhood bonds and characters’ journeys to accomplish self-actualization. 

Introduction 

In the labyrinth of human desires and obsessions, Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s “Quicksand” serves as a mesmerizing exploration of the human psyche. As we venture into the intricate tapestry of this enigmatic novel, we find ourselves immersed in a world where reality blurs and the boundaries between passion and destruction, love and obsession, become dangerously thin. In this book review, we will delve into the layers of this work, exploring its themes, narrative style, and its enduring significance in the world of literature. 

Context and author 

Jun’ichirō Tanizaki 

Jun’ichirō Tanizaki was a Japanese author considered to be one of the most prominent figures in modern Japanese literature, being indicated for a Nobel prize in 1964. Some of his works delve into the themes of destructive obsessions and sexuality exploration, while others portray subtly the dynamics of family life in the context of the rapid changes in the Japanese society at the time.  

Tanizaki played a pivotal role in Japanese literature during the Shinkankaku-ha movement of the early 20th century. This literary wave, defined by its emphasis on individualism, psychological exploration and the incorporation of innovative literary techniques, brought forth a transformation in storytelling. Alongside authors like Riichi Yokomitsu and Yasunari Kawabata, Tanizaki was committed to exploring the thoughts and emotions of his characters in a more direct and unfiltered manner. This approach allowed them to delve into the realms of desire, sexuality, and the intricate nuances of human relationships. This book is a prime example of the movement, as the characterizations and exploration of human desires align closely with its principles. 

Plot 

The book immediately draws you in, as it starts with an intimate conversation/confession between the main character and a friend, centered around an affair she had. The story is narrated by Sonoko Kakiuchi, a young woman trapped in a stifling marriage, who attends art classes at a women’s school. Rumors start spreading at the school of Sonoko’s alleged involvement in a romantic entanglement with another student, the beautiful Mitsuko. Despite barely knowing her, Sonoko feels inexplicably drawn toward Mitsuko, prompting her to initiate a friendship with the intriguing young woman. 

The sexual tension between the two starts building up until they eventually start an affair, making the rumors a “self-fulfilling prophecy”. As she starts to get increasingly involved into a complex web of lies, deceit and manipulation, both women are pitted against the social norms of marriage in a deadly game that will engulf them both, jointly with Mitsuko’s fiancé and Sonoko’s husband.  

The Japanese title, Manji, refers to the four-pronged Buddhist swastika, a symbol of the four lovers, in this case representing Sonoko, Mitsuko, Watanuki and Kotaro; the four main characters, three people that found themselves entangled as pawns in Mitsuko’s love game. 

Themes and Impact 

The characters within the narrative are multifaceted, with no clear demarcation between right and wrong. The whole book explores a murky sense of morality as it navigates through toxic relationships and dynamics. The narrative thoroughly delves into the concept of the anti-hero, compelling you to root for characters engaged in morally questionable acts.  

The story has a lot of unexpected plot twists that constantly challenge and reshape your perception of the characters. It is often that the seemingly naive character undergoes a transformation, becoming the antagonist. 

Tanizaki’s portrayal of women flourishing within a naturalistic social environment, where their lives are intricately intertwined with their inner selves, is both subtle and provoking. These women, restricted to domestic spheres and women-only schools, found themselves compelled into arranged marriages, navigating their inner thoughts and emotions alone. Frequently, they formed incredibly intimate, sometimes romantic, connections with their close female friends. The author depicts this hypersensitive inner world and relationships throughout the book, exploring its profound depths layered with a storm of emotions. 

The author’s innovative writing style and thematic explorations influenced generations of Japanese writers. Overall, Tanizaki’s contributions to Japanese literature lie in his ability to capture the complexities of human experience, his exploration of cultural shifts, and his innovative narrative techniques, all of which continue to inspire and influence the literary landscape. 

Style and Opinion 

The whole book has an aura of intimacy almost leaving you with the sensation of overhearing a conversation meant for a therapist’s ears, something you weren’t meant to witness, yet engaging from the first paragraph.  

This deeply personal narrative, shared in the first person, often conveys a nuanced portrayal of events, leaving room for interpretation. The reader has the feeling of an unreliable narrator, that can be totally blindsided by the unfolding events or their own feelings.  

The storyline is intricate and rich with unexpected turns, adding to the engagement without veering into implausibility or losing the thread of the intricate love affair triangle, later evolving into a quadrangle. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of a traditional Japanese society on the cusp of modernity, enhancing the complexity of the tale. 

It begs for the reader to ponder about what it is to feel powerless and ridiculous for love; about the limits of the selfishness one can indulge in the vein hope of the retribution of such powerful affection. How the pretense to love and the need to cling onto it can lead us into a path of self-justification and rationalization of actions that are not moral.  

“(…) And even of if it was wrong to be secretly in love with another man, what was so bad about being in love with a woman, someone of my own sex? (…)” 

Feeling powerless because of the uncertainty of someone’s feelings and intentions; an illicit affair fueled by love and irrationality that is all consuming is a timeless and universal subject as it is appealing to a passion ingrained in the core of human nature.  

All these themes are taken to the extreme in this book, as the main character acknowledges her own impotence and inability to back off a relationship that makes her feel like a “fool”. 

“So I found myself sinking deeper and deeper into the quicksand, and although I said to myself I had to escape, by this time, I was helpless. I knew I was being used by Mitsuko and that all the while she was calling me her dear sister she was actually making a fool of me.” 

Conclusion 

This book masterfully explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and obsession within the context of illicit and unpredictable love. The characters’ intense desires and struggles against societal constraints and against each other create a deeply relatable and immersive experience for readers. The story’s authenticity and unexpected plot twists kept me thoroughly engaged. The author skillfully balances intricate character development with a suspenseful narrative, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read. I highly recommend this book for readers seeking a thrilling and fast-paced narrative that seamlessly combines suspense, romance, and psychological depth. 

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