In 1992 I embarked on a quest to identify and describe the particular kind of beauty I felt most deeply drawn to. At the time I was living principally in Japan. By “beauty” I mean that complex of exciting, pleasurable sensations—ostensibly emanating from things—that makes us feel more alive and connected to the world. Often these feelings are accompanied by a compelling sense of truth, goodness, and/or love. Why my interest in beauty? My father had recently died in a freak car accident and I found myself questioning the purpose of life. Of all the possibilities considered, the capacity to experience beauty seemed like one of the best reasons for … Continue reading Leonard Koren