"Hateful Things" (Jap. Nikushi to aru mono ) is a short essay or list within The Pillow Book where Shōnagon cataloged her pet peeves. It is a quintessential example of her "list-based" writing style, where she categorized her dislike for human behavior, social etiquette, and everyday annoyances.
When you open the PDF, you’ll find that “Hateful Things” is only two pages long. You’ll read it, laugh, close the file—and then spend the rest of the day mentally writing your own list.
Despite being written over a thousand years ago, "Hateful Things" remains remarkably relevant to modern readers. Sei Shōnagon's observations on human nature, social norms, and the importance of aesthetics continue to resonate with people today. hateful things sei shonagon pdf
She notes the annoyance of people who sing or recite things poorly or out of season. 2. Romantic and Aesthetic Disappointments
Her aversion to inconsiderate people, noisy environments, and entitled behavior mirrors contemporary, everyday frustrations, making the text feel remarkably current to modern readers. Finding "Hateful Things" in PDF "Hateful Things" (Jap
The book has been widely studied and admired for its:
Here, the irritation is . The man’s actions contradict his stated desire. He performs leisure (slow tying) while signaling urgency (haste to leave). The hateful thing is not slowness or speed, but the mismatch —a betrayal of behavioral consistency. In court society, where every gesture was read as a social signal, such contradictions were intolerable. When you open the PDF, you’ll find that
Websites like and TinyCat catalog millions of texts, including The Pillow Book . While they may not always have the PDF directly, they are invaluable for locating where a text is available for purchase or borrow.
(a lady-in-waiting in 10th-century Japan) that remains strikingly relatable today. Often compared to a modern-day blog post
When analyzing a PDF translation of "Hateful Things," the grievances generally fall into distinct categories. Shōnagon rarely complains about tragedy; instead, she focuses on the friction of daily life. 1. Social Awkwardness and Bad Manners
"Hateful Things" is a fascinating and thought-provoking essay that offers a unique glimpse into the life, culture, and values of the Heian period. Through Sei Shōnagon's witty, insightful, and often humorous observations, we gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the enduring power of literature to reflect, critique, and shape our world.