In Praise of Shadows

by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki

Most often the paper, the ink, the fabric of the mounting will possess a certain look of antiquity, and this look of antiquity will strike just the right balance with the darkness of the alcove and room.

So benumbed are we nowadays by electric lights that we have become utterly insensitive to the evils of excessive illumination.

Let me take a familiar example: now that we cannot cross an intersection without consulting a traffic signal, old people can no longer venture confidently out into the streets.