This book embodies Gabriel’s pivotal experiment in fusing Eastern and Western philosophy.

Our interview (conducted by Kazumoto Ohno and editors) pursued two goals:

First, Gabriel’s profound interest in Eastern philosophy. He immersed in the 3rd-century Chinese thinker Wang Bi’s Commentary on Laozi, drawing key insights from Laozi’s teachings on impermanence. Post-pandemic, he frequently visited Japan, exploring Japanese thought.

Second, Eastern philosophy’s modern relevance. Gabriel defines today as an era of "nested crises"—interlocking dilemmas obscuring foundational values. Here, his Eastern-inspired inquiry, "Why does the illusion of permanence arise?"holds urgent significance.

The resulting interview surpassed expectations. Gabriel examines Hinduism’s claim that "time is illusion"; Zhuangzi’s transcendence of spacetime; and critiques Buddhism’s view of "zen as self-annihilation."Crucially, he positions Eastern philosophy as a ​​metaphysical challenger​​ to Western tradition.

This work invites philosophers East and West to rethink core concepts beyond conventional frameworks. Includes a ​​bonus dialogue​​ with Shokei Matsumoto (Visiting Professor, Musashino University).

​​Illusion vs. Reality:​​ Can philosophies collide creatively? Gabriel resonates with—and critiques—Eastern thought:

"Time is illusion"(Hinduism)

"Self becomes other"(Chinese thought)

"Life’s meaning lies in pursuing supreme good"(Japanese philosophy)

... A revelatory exploration of ​​cross-continental philosophical chemistry​​.

Markus Gabriel​​

At 29, Gabriel became the ​​youngest full professor​​ in Bonn University’s 200-year history. Rooted in Western tradition yet globally acclaimed for "New Existentialism". His bestselling Why the World Does Not Exist(Kōdansha) sparked movements like "New Existentialism"and "New Enlightenment."

​​Kazumoto Ohno​​

​​Kazumoto Ohno​​ was Born 1955 in Hyōgo. Graduated from Osaka Kitano High School and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (English). Resided in the US (1979–97), studying chemistry (Cornell) and medical science (NYU). Worked as a US-based journalist. Post-1997, he continues global reporting on intellectuals.

​​Maki Tsukitani​​

​​Maki Tsukitani​​ ia a translator. Graduate of Sophia University’s Literature Department.

Chapter 1: All Is Illusion?​​
​​Chapter 2: Dialogue with Buddhism: What It Means to Exist​​
​​Chapter 3: Dialogue with Chinese Thought: The Essence of "Wu" (Non-Being)​
​​Chapter 4: Dialogue with Japanese Philosophy: Critiquing Nishida Kitarō​