Summary
The text discusses the concept of “sazen,” which is described as a form of communication that conveys a complete idea or concept in a concise and seemingly straightforward manner, but actually requires a deeper understanding that may only become apparent over time or through personal experience. Sazen is likened to a metaphorical lossy compression, where essential details may be lost in the simplification of the message. The text also explores the challenges of conveying wisdom effectively, especially to younger generations, and how sazen can bridge the gap between differing levels of understanding and appreciation. The term “sazen” was coined to represent complex concepts that are difficult to express concisely in English but are not inherently more complicated than simpler, single-word concepts.
Highlights
id978640146
More informally: it’s a handle that is useful as a pointer to the already-initiated, who can recognize its correctness and fill in the necessary gaps, but either useless or actively misleading to the uninitiated, who will either Simply Not Get It, or (much worse) fill in the gaps with their own preconceptions which are likely to lead them astray.