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Autumn Quote by Sei Shônagon

“In spring it is the dawn that is most beautiful. As the light creeps over the hills, their outlines are dyed a faint red and wisps of purplish cloud trail over them. In summer the nights. Not only when the moon shines, but on dark nights too, as the fireflies flit to and fro, and even when it…” quote by Sei Shônagon
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““ In spring it is the dawn that is most beautiful. As the light creeps over the hills, their outlines are dyed a faint red and wisps of purplish cloud trail over them. In summer the nights. Not only when the moon shines, but on dark nights too, as the fireflies flit to and fro, and even when it rains, how beautiful it is! In autumn, the evenings, when the glittering sun sinks close to the edge of the hills and the crows fly back to their nests in threes and fours and twos; more charming still is a file of wild geese, like specks in the distant sky. When the sun has set, one's heart is moved by the sound of the wind and the hum of the insects. In winter the early mornings. It is beautiful indeed when snow has fallen during the night, but splendid too when the ground is white with frost; or even when there is no snow or frost, but it is simply very cold and the attendants hurry from room to room stirring up the fires and bringing charcoal, how well this fits the season's mood! But as noon approaches and the cold wears off, no one bothers to keep the braziers alight, and soon nothing remains but piles of white ashes.””

Sei Shônagon

About This Quote

Source Literature: The Pillow Book, Sei Shōnagon, 1000s

Each season offers distinct, subtle beauties that awaken senses and emotions, inviting mindful appreciation of nature’s changing moods.

In simple terms: Seasons have unique, quiet beauty.

Key Takeaway

Notice and cherish seasonal moments.

Themes

nature beauty mindfulness

Mood

reflective calm

Type

poetic observational

When to use this quote

  • daily walks
  • seasonal photography
  • meditation
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

aesthetics temporal change sensory perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What seasonal detail moves you?
  • How does nature affect your mood?
A Different Perspective

Weather can obscure subtle details.

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