The Potential of Intellect Reflected in Attire

There is an argument that indifference to fashion (or attention to appearance) is a virtue—a view deeply rooted even at the highest levels of Japan's current government. Advocates of this perspective claim that their energy is devoted to exercising "noble intellect," leaving no room to concern themselves with "trivial matters" like attire or conduct.

However, what lies beneath this attitude could be seen as a form of contempt for humanity. It reflects the arrogance of separating "noble intellect" from "dispensable physicality," as though the two could be entirely divorced.

In reality, intellect is often shaped through what the body experiences. By recognizing this fact and thoughtfully constructing one’s "social body," the potential for "noble intellect" could expand significantly, ultimately leading to greater political influence as well.

Consider the leaders of high-tech companies, who have meticulously deliberated over their choices and arrived at a normcore style—one that allows them to avoid the daily hassle of deciding what to wear.

In another example, Africa's Sapeurs have rejected dictatorship and tribal violence alike, presenting their message to the world through colorful and elegant suits.

This is not about blindly conforming to societal norms. (Although, depending on the context, adhering to certain norms may sometimes be necessary.) Instead, it seems that the higher one’s intellect, the greater their resistance to convention. True "noble intellect" manifests in those who use physicality to demonstrate humanity’s new possibilities to the world—a shining example of genuine intellectual virtue.

Photo: Sapeurs in Japan, June 2016.  by Kaori Nakano