It is at these moments that I feel mono no aware, the pathos of things.

A while ago I went to the city of Mito, in the northern suburb of Tokyo, for a day trip. I gave a public lecture there.

On my way back, I was waiting for my express train on the platform. On the next track, there was a local train bound for Oyama, a city in the south of Mito, closer to Tokyo.

It was dusk, and the world was becoming dark. The inside of the local train could be seen in a bright light, through glasses somewhat dimmed by moisture.

There was a man seated, enjoying what appeared to be a can of beer. Apparently the gentleman finished his work in Mito, and was heading home.

I don't know exactly how it happens, but at twilight sometimes the social contexts surrounding me appear to be dissolved. I am alone, in the vast world, and I feel I could be, could have been, and would be, anyone in this complex human society.

I imagined how my life would have been if I was like the guy in the train. Working in the city of Mito, heading home after a day's work, enjoying the consolation prize of a can of beer.

It is at these moments that I feel mono no

aware, the pathos of things.