The Heart of Japanese 

The anatomy of dependence

The anatomy of dependence The discovery that a major concept of human feeling - easily expressed in everyday Japanese - totally resisted translation into a Western language led Dr. Takeo Doi to explore and define anarea of the psyche which has previously receivedlittle attention. The resulting essay, The Anatomy of Dependence, is one of themost penetrating analyses of the Japanese mind ever written, as well as an important original contribution to psychology which transcends the boundaries of cultures and nation.

Publishd in Japan as Amae no Kozo(The Structure of Amae), Dr. Doi's work is focused upon the word "amae"(indulgence)and its related vocabulary. Expressive of an emotion central to the Japanese experience, "amae" refers to the indulging, passive love which surrounds and supports the individual in a group, whether family, neighborhood, or the world at large. Considering the lack of such words in Western languages, Dr.Doi suggests inherent differences between the two cultures - contrasting the ideal of self-reliance with those of interdependence and the indulgence of weaknesses. Yet, he finds that Western audiences have no difficulty in recognizing and identifying with the emotions he describes, and are even searching for a way to express this need.

While there is no doubt that the concept of "amae" is more developed in Japan and the feelings it engenders more profound, Dr. Doi' work has already been recognized as having a universal application. This translation of his most important essay will be welcomed as a major contribution - not only as an insight into the Japanese mind, but into the minds of men everywhere.




E-mail:oak-wood@ba2.so-net.or.jp    
Home Adress:http://ux01.so-net.or.jp/~oak-wood/




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