Wabi Sabi by Nobuo Suzuki (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

2161st BLOG POST

3rd Book of 2026

Whenever life is not very pleasant, I try picking up a self-help book because there is always one or a couple of insights that make it easier to move forward through tough phases. Sometimes, even if the ideas are not new, a book presents them differently, bringing the same old advice into a more productive and implementable perspective. Reading “Wabi Sabi” by the Japanese author Nobuo Suzuki did exactly that for me. This 160-pages hardover book takes us deep into one of the Japanese Zen philosophies, which also forms the title of the book, meaning “The Wisdom in Imperfection.” The book carries a foreword by none other than Hector Garcia, the co-author of another famous Japanese bestseller, Ikigai.

 

The author explains the individual meanings of the words Wabi and Sabi, and what they represent when considered together. Taking us through different interpretations, Nobuo emphasizes that it is about finding wisdom and beauty in incompleteness, imperfection, the unfinished, and the impermanent. The book is divided into three sections—The Philosophy of Wabi Sabi, Wabi Sabi in Art, and Wabi Sabi as a Way of Life.

 

In the first section, the author introduces Zen philosophy and Wabi Sabi briefly before delving deeper. One chapter explains why we should not be too hard on ourselves while chasing perfection, as the world conditions us to believe that perfection is the ultimate goal. It highlights how, when we begin to accept our own imperfections, we also learn to accept the imperfections of others. In doing so, the world becomes slightly more bearable and empathetic.

 

The author further discusses relationships, explaining how expectations can often lead to disappointment. Everyone is living life according to their own timeline and vision; comparison and expectation only complicate relationships unnecessarily.

 

In the chapter on drawing inspiration from nature, the author explains how nature is endless and rarely perfectly finished. Even ancient palaces often have a corner left incomplete. The foam of the sea forms and dissolves endlessly. The idea of a “proper ending” is largely a human construct, and it is often the source of our inner turmoil.

 

The second section is dedicated to Japanese art and aesthetics, where creations are not always made with the intention of being perfectly finished. Instead, broken parts, recycled elements, and purposeful incompleteness are embraced to create something unique. Within this section, the chapter on melancholy stood out for me. The author beautifully explains why melancholy is an indispensable emotion and how it can exist without necessarily leading to depression or loneliness. Nobuo also highlights how people today often suppress melancholic feelings through medication. He gently guides us toward understanding how creativity, calmness, and even happiness can emerge by embracing Wabi Sabi principles.

 

In the third section, the author shifts towards practical implementation. He provides examples and tabular formats that contrast how things are commonly perceived versus how they could be approached through Wabi Sabi. The example of a broken bucket and the story of a painter who never saw his work as genius—even at the age of 110—illustrate how imperfection can lead to excellence. It reinforces the idea of focusing on personal growth rather than comparison.

 

The chapters on creating space through minimalism may sound like common advice, but the step-by-step guidance on decluttering both externally and internally makes it actionable. The author also references modern habits—constantly checking emails, scrolling social media, rushing towards our phones—instead of spending time in silence or with nature.

 

The book contains beautiful black-and-white and coloured glossy images, reinforcing how imperfection can be just as beautiful as something seemingly perfect. Each chapter ends with a poetic “Meditation” section. There are numerous lines that feel deeply reflective, even if they are not presented as typical motivational quotes.

 

Talking about drawbacks, I felt the author could have provided clearer guidance on how to maintain a Wabi Sabi mindset when professional and personal expectations constantly demand urgency and deadlines. Living this philosophy in a fast-paced environment is challenging. Additionally, including more real-life examples of public figures who embraced imperfection and turned it into success could have strengthened the practical aspect. For most of the book, the narrative leans more towards philosophy than implementation, placing it in the same segment it subtly critiques in other self-help books.

 

Overall, Wabi Sabi feels like a meditation in itself—best read when life feels chaotic and cluttered. It resonates deeply in such moments; otherwise, it may come across as just another philosophical self-help book rooted in spirituality. I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5. Thanks to my sister-in-law for gifting it to me.

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WRITING BUDDHA