The Pathos of Things is written by me, Wessie du Toit, an author living in Sussex. It is a newsletter about things designed and built by human hands: the spaces and objects among which we live. My hope is that we can learn something about the modern world – and about ourselves – by looking at the artefacts that comprise it.
Why do some fashion brands prefer designing algorithms to clothes? What can we learn about China from its high-speed trains? What does Napoleon’s furniture tell us about the nature of power? These are the kinds of questions I’m interested in.
“The pathos of things” is a Japanese idea referring to the beauty of the impermanent. To appreciate our modern cultures, we have to believe that even their superficial and ephemeral aspects can reveal, if not beauty, then at least a deeper significance. Pathos is also a technique of persuasion, involving an appeal to the emotions. This is how many contemporary artefacts, from consumer products to social media platforms, try to seduce and influence us.
Signing up
I try to publish regular newsletters, but inevitably the frequency varies (I sadly have to make a living). You are welcome to subscribe to The Pathos of Things for free, but remember: if more readers cough up and become paying subscribers, I will be able to write more often – and it will be better!
Praise for The Pathos of Things
“I am a PhD student in the history of technology and I love the way you write. It breathes life into material objects, which is in stark contrast to what I am used to reading in articles about design and technology. Thank you so much for this, it is very inspiring to me.”
– Paying subscriber
“Real insights imbedded in a fascinating approach to our culture, to us, through our artifacts. High signal to noise - - very rarely strays into received ideas for their own sake. Well argued, written with restraint and grace. Finally, good aesthetic judgment. A gem.”
– David A. Westbrook, author and academic.
“I really enjoy reading your insightful analysis and opinions covering such a broad range of topics, many of which I’d never really thought about. Keep it up.”
– Paying subscriber
