The Spirit of Japan

'The Spirit of Japan' is a thought-provoking essay by Nobel laureate Sir Rabindranath Tagore, that examines the impact of Westernization on Japan and the dangers of blindly imitating the negative features of the West. He describes the power of the state as an abstraction that lacks roots in sentiments and has dangerous consequences. He also praises the higher obligations of public good and liberty, as taught by Europe, yet at the same time calls for resistance to her violent encroachments as colonization was at its heights during the time this book was written. A must-read for anyone concerned about the impact of globalization on the East.