Carved in stone, the Drei Affen embody a timeless message. Here, at this sculpture in Berlin, three monkeys strike a familiar pose. The Drei Affen, or “Three Wise Monkeys,” depict the proverb “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” This sculpture isn’t the origin of the proverb, though. It’s rooted in Japanese culture, stemming from a 17th-century carving at the Tōshō-gū Shrine in Nikkō. The monkeys there, Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru, represent a nuanced concept. Their message is about turning away from negativity and wrongdoing. Interestingly, the association with monkeys comes from a Japanese wordplay. The verb ending “-zaru,” meaning “not to,” sounds similar to “saru,” the word for “monkey.” This linguistic quirk gave rise to the visual representation we see in the Drei Affen. Over time, the proverb’s meaning has shifted, particularly in Western cultures. It’s often interpreted as a symbol of willful ignorance or a lack of moral courage. The original intent, however, was more about maintaining personal integrity by avoiding engagement with harmful actions or words. The Drei Affen sculpture serves as a reminder of this complex legacy, prompting us to consider the various interpretations and the importance of understanding their original context.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in