Chapter 12: Summary and How to Enjoy “Contingency” from Now On

日本語 | English | 繁體中文 | Tiếng Việt

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Up to the previous chapters, we have gently unraveled Kuki Shūzō’s thought, making it accessible even for beginners and translating it into modern life.

Let us briefly look back.

In Chapter 1 we started from everyday “just by chance,” asking “What is contingency in the first place?”

In Chapter 2 we organized the relationship between necessity and contingency.

In Chapter 3 we learned the most simple “what a surprise!” (categorical contingency).

In Chapter 4 the conditional “if ~ then” contingency (hypothetical contingency).

In Chapter 5 the A-or-B forks in life (disjunctive contingency).

In Chapter 6 the mysterious connection between contingency and “nothingness.”

In Chapter 7 the role of emotions such as surprise, joy, and fear.

In Chapter 8 that contingency truly creates “freedom.”

In Chapter 9 how contingency shines within art and aesthetic sense.

In Chapter 10 the important words “Do not let an encounter pass by in vain.”

In Chapter 11 how powerfully meaningful contingency is in the modern age of AI and SNS.

This part is actually very important.

Through all of these, what Kuki wanted to convey is this:

“Contingency is not something to be feared; rather, it is a power that sets us free and enriches life.”

The world is not completely determined.
That is why we can live as “this me” and choose “this moment.”

How shall we enjoy “contingency” and live from now on?

As the final chapter, I offer some hints for cultivating “your own style” that can be continued over the long term.

1. Create the habit of looking back on your “story of contingency”
   Periodically (even once a month is fine), write down “the contingencies that left an impression this past month.”
   When you overview how your life has been shaped by contingency, gratitude and acceptance arise.

2. Gradually nurture “the self that loves contingency”
   At first, consciously say out loud or write in a notebook “This contingency is interesting.”
   As you continue, the “eyes that make contingency an ally” naturally grow.

3. Actively take contingency into places of creation
   Writing, drawing, thinking, playing…
   In any situation, leave a little blank space thinking “It doesn’t have to be perfect; let’s wait for a chance inspiration.”
   This is the secret to maintaining creativity over the long term.

4. Accept uncertainty not as an “enemy” but as “the color of life”
   When plans collapse or unexpected events occur, try shifting perspective a little: “This has added a new color to my story.”
   This mindset enriches life as a whole.

5. Move from “reading” philosophy to “living” it
   Now that you have finished this series, please try reading the original text of The Problem of Contingency.
   Or search for “contingency” in your own way within other philosophical books, literature, and works of art.
   Not only reading but the practice of “living” begins.

Have you not felt something like this?

“After reading this book, I stopped being afraid of contingency.”

“I became able to feel everyday small events not as mere chance but like ‘gifts.’”

“I came to feel that I want to keep living while enjoying contingency.”

With this, the Akira translation of The Problem of Contingency is complete.

The thought Kuki Shūzō left us in 1935 will continue to stay close to you in the Reiwa era and into the future.

Contingency will keep bringing “surprise,” “freedom,” “beauty,” and “encounters” into your life from now on as well.

Please receive all of it
without fear,
with a smile,
and gently.

May your days be filled with many beautiful contingencies.

Akira

(End)

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Akira

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