“Silence of the Abyss” Publication Commemoration Prof. Nohira x Prof. Majima Talk Event held
July 13, 2018
On Thursday 5th of July (2018), at Books Kinokuniya’s Shinjuku Main Store, a talk event was held with Professor Munehiro Nohira, the translator of the book “Silence of the Abyss”, and Professor Ichiro Majima, the editor-in-chief of the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Press.
At the talk event, an introduction to the precocious and unprecedented life of poet and philosopher Pham Cong Thien was given, which particularly looked back on his rebellious lifestyle, including details of how he abandoned his overseas exchange in the United States saying “although I read Heraclitus and Heidegger with blood and tears, these university professors can only read with myopic eyes”, how he quit his associate professor position teaching philosophy at a French university after academic philosophy became ludicrous in his eyes, and how he thought about and looked into the abyss to make poetry without paying attention to his family and the surrounding inconveniences.
During the discussion on “Silence of the Abyss”, especially concerning “the return to Nietzsche’s silence” contained in the appendix of the book, various passages were covered, including the despairing words “what is truth? What is reality? Despite this question remaining unanswered (…) the answer is blood and tears, fire and ash, it is answered by a white cloth and the cold eyes of children”, which were said during the Vietnam War. Another aspect discussed was the almost religious impact and appeal the expression “why did Nietzsche have to be silent?” has on readers when repeated alongside each passage. The speakers also pointed out the importance of Thien wanting people to keep asking questions, without seeking easy answers or solutions, until they reach the exposed nature of what they seek. Overall, discussion approached the charm of this book, a book on ideological conflict published in 1967 during the height of confusion in the Vietnam War, that even now has not been lost, and its ideological possibilities.
After this, a signing session was held with the translator, Professor Nohira, and the event ended successfully.
In addition to the above event, the “Silence of the Abyss” publication commemoration Anthology Fair, “The late night generation ‘Silence of the Abyss’ reading”, has been extended, and will be held until Thursday the 9th of September (2018) at Books Kinokuniya’s Shinjuku Main Store (3F).
