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This book traces the life and philosophy of Pavel Florensky (1882–1937), a Russian philosopher who is little known in Japan. Florensky was called the “Russian Leonardo da Vinci” and made outstanding—though fragmentary—contributions to many fields, including mathematics, science, theology, aesthetics, art theory, and linguistics. He was eventually eliminated during the Stalin era and vanished from history.
 
Florensky is generally regarded as representative of Russian religious thought. I believe that the most significant themes emerging from this intellectual trend, which flourished from the late 19th century to the early 20th century in Russia, involve what constitutes a human being and personhood and how humans exist and should exist between their individual selves and the greater whole. Florensky addresses these questions using concepts such as “inflorescence” and “form.” I encourage you to read this book to learn more.
 
I discussed the main points of Florensky’s philosophy in my doctoral thesis. However, this book is not merely a publication of my doctoral dissertation. This book comprises two parts. The first describes Florensky’s life; I expanded this description significantly after writing my doctoral thesis. Initially, I intended only to introduce Florensky to readers unfamiliar with him. However, after completing the book and reflecting on it, I realized that Florensky’s thought takes on a form that only becomes clear when it is superimposed on his life. I do not intend to engage in the broader question or debate regarding whether it is possible to separate thoughts or work from the person (I believed the two should be strictly separated up to a certain stage in life). However, Florensky certainly idealized the “harmonious combination of contemplation and practical activity” and considered this characteristic to be the pride of Russian philosophers. Practical activity fades into the flow of time even faster than written ideas do. Although this book cannot present a complete picture of Florensky’s life, I believe that I have shed light on some of his interactions with those around him through his memoirs, letters, and eulogies to the priests he revered. These serve as testaments to Florensky’s practical activities.
 
His life, which ended when he was executed, can be summarized in one word as “tragic,” yet his philosophy consistently affirmed life. The foundation of Florensky’s philosophy is a belief in the power of words. I do not know how this book will be read, but I would be pleased if those who read it develop an interest in the essential work of the humanities, aimed at inheriting memories and words from the past and entrusting them to the future.
 

(Written by: HOSOKAWA Ruri / June 23, 2025)