dark academia: everything you need to know (inc. outfits & book/film/music recommendations)

[@fae64]

Please remember that this aesthetic is not about having a lot of clothing, it’s about thriftiness and sourcing responsibly. It is all about simplicity and neutrals.

[@mrunmaiparab9705]

True many people forget this

[@kazakukog]

yes!

[@dearcupid_]

I agree, it's not all about the aesthetic picture.

[@hollyr5153]

Exactly! Buying a bunch of plaid stuff from Forever 21 is not dark academia

[@E-G-G-O-Fall]

i could not have explained it better AWESOME

[@WhereTheresAQuill]

As a Ph.D. student (with an English Literature degree whose favourite book is Frankenstein) studying 15th-century art and literature, living in York and with an office in the attic of a medieval building...I feel like I'm accidentally living a "dark academia" lifestyle without knowing about it...

[@RKhere97]

Your life seems very interesting. Atleast from the way you put it. Gonna swap a day in your life.

[@gurkenbrei4174]

Medieval in the US ? How does that work ?

[@danarodz3275]

@@gurkenbrei4174 I think she means York in the UK not New York.

[@WhereTheresAQuill]

@@gurkenbrei4174 ...York, as in the medieval city in England.

[@WhereTheresAQuill]

OLD York.

[@sophiehaug3319]

It‘s not often that we see you wearing black but it flatters your fair skin and blue eyes so much, you look amazing❤️

[@nxreu]

agreed!

[@harrietmikhailanavolkovoy9417]

she looks good in black yesss

[@urmom-lo9kx]

She looks like a fusion of Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley

[@ishitadubey9366]

More like if Ron and Hermione had a child

[@nameslesss]

@@ishitadubey9366 omg yes

[@jules2291]

@@ishitadubey9366 grown up rose weasley (hermione and Ron's daughter)

[@ishitadubey9366]

@@jules2291 oh yeah lol I haven't read cursed child yet 😅

[@thecosmicchild3500]

Physically ?

[@koals6783]

I really like that you focused on activities and book/music/film recommendations instead of just the appearance of it. The aesthetic itself had always seemed too perfect and unattainable to me, but now I really feel like reading some of these books and getting more deeply into my studies. :)

[@RubyGranger8]

That's the danger with aesthetics -- they seem so elusive on Pinterest and this definitely distances people from it... but the crux of dark academia is that you deeply enjoy learning -- and you don't need anything but yourself and your books to do that 🙈

[@strawberrykun6136]

Ikrrr

[@DmitryFromForest]

The only problem I have with dark academia - the one I have with every "aesthetic" - I think, it often promotes consumption of things you don`t really need. Looks over everything else. For a lot of people, it`s just another trend. And they`ll certainly buy new clothes and vintage junk to look smart instead of being smart, they`ll buy stuff to feel they belong and to impress other people. Ruby will be "dark academia" even if she'll dress differently, 'cause, you know, she studies a lot. I think it's as simple as that. Looks are not that important.

[@fatimasalmansiddiqui1182]

That's an important point! Totally agree.

[@sewa900]

exactly!!

[@alicech.2156]

Yes !! That and elitism also, everyone deserve to be passionate about their studies whatever their looks or school

[@daniquedegraaf]

Jup

[@anaschaumburger9270]

Some of us were like that since always, just like me, there was no name for it, people thought it’s weird but now it’s trendy 😂 I always did these things, always had my classical records, my old books, and dark clothes, always liked the ”vintage” vibe. And it’s shit to see that some people are just forcing it now.

[@ScarletClarity]

Ruby is definitely not dark academia, but rather light academia. Let's not forget dark academia in literature is primarily also associated with murder, twistedness, drugs, the occult, etc. (The Secret History, The Magicians, The Ninth House, etc.)

[@ohitsnotme9056]

Some people like to embrace evil

[@JVJath]

Some people need to belong to something.

[@AJ-hr6kd]

could u please recommend a few books

[@skyward7903]

Dark, wild things tend to seem more attractive

[@RenaissanceRockerBoy]

@@AJ-hr6kd The Secret History, Wuthering Heights, historical fiction books, Frankenstein, Jane Eyre, Oscar Wilde (especially The Picture of Dorian Grey), Shakespeare plays (especially Hamlet and Macbeth), and basically any Romantic poetry (Keats, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, etc)

[@erin-ls1pv]

when your ‘study space’ is the kitchen where you’re constantly interrupted

[@mandakinikhatkar9494]

Hahaha mine too:-)

[@simak452]

You can romanticize that

[@heartsunglassesrry1133]

@@MHH44491 FELT

[@thedarknessherself3454]

Here is a romanization of that lol: A cozy kitchen with the sun streaming in through the windows, books and stationary strewn all around you on the table and the laughter of your family from the next room. Your sibling/parent comes in and stands next to you for a second watching you read, they give you a small kiss on the cheek before turning away to leave you to your work. Your head is bent studiously over your book as your hand reaches down to stroke your cat/dog. You sigh happily (and turn your page) with a feeling of love and contentedness in your heart.

[@emmamatastik3822]

I love the fact that education and aquiring knowledge has become a mainstream phenomenon. It has its own aesthetics and there are no stigmas and cliques. So lovely

[@user-en5gu7nf4v]

My friend improved her grades because she loved light academia. She wouldn’t have passed her E.O.Y’s without it.

[@rosecharm3252]

I know this is weird but I'm inspired to finally clean my room, only for the sake of this aesthetic

[@4resn1k]

me too 💀😭

[@rumpalug]

Sameee

[@taraestelleadelizzi9975]

Watching aesthetic videos (and hoarders, yikes!) always gets me up and cleaning

[@watermelon668]

I would say your aesthetic is closer to light academia, since there’s a lot of cottagecore in your #brand also!!

[@deeshagupta9825]

Yeah I think her aesthetic is more academia than dark academia, because isn’t the aesthetic supposed to be more secretive and dark and mysterious

[@hollyava7072]

@@deeshagupta9825 yes,I am a classic academia which is more dark academia palette but more light academia activities. Also focuses on art more than literature

[@Corporis]

Recommending RC Waldun, who’s a brilliant dark academia KZbinr who speaks on writing and literature. Highly recommend!

[@halloween42]

Yeah and R.C. Wauldun talked about Ruby in a video and told that he loves her videos.

[@cynthj]

@@halloween42 I didn't know that! How cool 🤗

[@Corporis]

@@halloween42 I'd love to see what kind of collab they cook up together

[@FruehlingSpring]

Thanks for recommending!

[@jagodowypryzmat]

So true! R.C. Waldun is amazing and surprisingly so young! :)

[@ginnyginny8715]

The soundtrack of Queen’s Gambit is soo good!

[@rozemarijn9607]

Ikr! I was just listening to it, so good:)

[@cynthiaflores4927]

Its sooo amazing!! And so is the show!

[@ginnyginny8715]

@@cynthiaflores4927 I know!! I wached it in one day. I just couldn’t stop.

[@lavenderruffles]

Yess I love it so much for studying!!

[@neocuriositi]

I'm a person of color and I really appreciated that you took time out to acknowledged the stereotype of the aesthetic and make suggestion for people like me. Thanks alot... Much love

[@simak452]

Yes! I loved that too.

[@meadowwalk]

Loved that too

[@moopycheyenne5998]

I too loved that🖤

[@kimjunjae]

How is your skin colour relevant to the topic ?

[@neocuriositi]

@@kimjunjae uhrrmmm... because the rituals, practices, and the period of time the aesthetic emanates or is derived from fits a certain type of people. So might look odd for a person of color to indulge or big difficult to find stuff from the aesthetic that cater to us since we aren't really the demographic it's "intended" for... I dunno if you get me.

[@shashareid3132]

The 2005 soundtrack for Pride and Prejudice always makes me want to curl up, read a book, and drink some tea.

[@Pablo-uc2yc]

I SCREAMED WHEN I SAW THIS! Ruby has been the *QUEEN* of dark academia for YEARS and she finally made a video about, god bless us

[@anaschaumburger9270]

I was a “dark academic” my whole life, but there was no name for it 😂 I was just an outsider.

[@violetskies3397]

Saaame

[@reversed2489]

Idk if I was an outsider for that reason, just I was homeschooled for a while and a bit awkward of introverted. I've been surrounded by a lot of academics though

[@haurakhalishaharefa3347]

omggg yesss

[@nieznajoma.0]

Same here: whole time at school I was reading books and I was spending most of my time in library. Also my friends at school were librarian and my lovely literature teacher xD Everything is explained now

[@natalie-mz2xn]

ikr

[@mayamufti983]

she is so gorgeous and i can't get over it

[@RKhere97]

IKR

[@Moon_Moon91]

I have a few movies in mind that I think could fit nicely into the dark/light academia aesthetic: finding Forrester, Mona Lisa smile, Jane Eyre, normal people (series), Macbeth (2015), this Beautiful Fantastic, kill your darlings, a series of unfortunate events (both the film and the series), black swan, Maurice, the riot club, good will hunting, bright star, heavenly creatures, the talented mr ripley, pride and prejudice, genius, a beautiful mind... that’s what comes to my mind now. They’re not all set in a school but they kinda have that vibe🌚✨

[@eleanor4759]

I love Jane Eyre 😍

[@medharudraraju2360]

I love a series of unfortunate events

[@em-vo4ml]

@@medharudraraju2360 sameee i remember reading the series when i was younger and i reread it like 3 times. amazing series

[@medharudraraju2360]

@@em-vo4ml You got great taste😊

[@owenhopkins9192]

maurice is my favourite film ever

[@KT-gl1fi]

It's like light, scholarly, Classic, Romantic with a dark twist, and art academia! I love all these sub genres, they all stem from classical academia

[@eh_maybe]

Something about Achilles Come Down, it moves my SOUL. Even if the person reading this isnt into dark academia, i recommend a listen

[@RubyGranger8]

totally agree!

[@nicolodeon05]

Achilles come down is ❤️❤️❤️

[@queen0fhell193]

It's beautiful from start to finish

[@izzylk1802]

i'd recommend listening to hogwarts or library asmr videos on youtube! really gives you a wonderful atmospheric study experience during lockdown

[@kialazyeyereader1822]

I do that almost every day hehe ^-^ it's the best!

[@13thswimmer]

This was so poetic and beautifully articulated! This really shows off what a wonderful storyteller you are, you should look into creative writing if you don’t already!

[@deepalidesai3538]

For music I'd also recommend the soundtrack for The Crown!

[@georgia9092]

Oh yeah it’s so great!

[@sheridanmusic]

Why is nobody talking about Ruby’s fashion in this style!?? The editing and background just suits her to a T .

[@igaplewicka2109]

I must say I truely enjoyed your video. I love the academia aesthetic but I feel most people care mostly about clothes and superficial interests. You are the true academia queen to me, as you're deeply passionate about seeking knowledge and fashion is just an addition. We need more academia aesthetic videos like that!

[@thetimetraveller2671]

Just finished an 8-hour study-day. I like the dark academia aesthetic and I really appreciate that you noticed issues with the community.

[@SusanneMBarrett]

I am 55 years old, and my entire life has been themed to the dark academia aesthetic ... without ever coming across this concept until 2020. Since college, I have written with fountain pens or dip pens by candelight, journalled incessantly, listened to classical music, read the Brontes' novels (yes, every single one), plus works by Wilde, Dickens, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, etc. I love everything British. I live in San Diego, and have always lived in older homes (our most recent home was a century old). I love old bookshops and antique stores, and while raising my four kids, we all fell in love with everything Harry Potter. I write lettters, using wax seals of the Hogwarts crest and lately our family crest. I am learning copperplate handwriting, love the Lumineers and many of the soundtracks and films mentioned here, and my favorite movie has been Dead Poets Society since it was first released in 1989, the year after I graduated from college with a degree in Literature and minors in philosophy and history. I adore old churches, have become an Anglican and helped to edit a Book of Common Prayer for the Reformed Episcopal Church. Candles, bells, and incense are integral to worship for me. I have not been into the clothing aesthetic per se, except in jewelry. I wear my grandmother's watch (a wristwatch without a band) as a locket, inscribed with her birthdate in 1941. Candles in holders, old kerosene lamps, pitchers and ewers, quill pens, bottles of ink, antique typewriters from the 1920s, and tons of old books have been my "aesthetic" for the past 35-40 years. And definitely a whiff of the gothic via the paranormal. So yes, I have lived the Dark Academia Aesthetic since I was your age. I very much enjoy your channel, Ruby. Thank you for all that you do to make being an academic "cool." Oh, btw, I am a former English instructor at two colleges and currently teach online classes to home educating families in poetry, grammar, and Shakespeare and am seeking to return to teaching at the college level now that our youngest has graduated from our home school. Before teaching, I worked for ten years as a bookseller. So yes, I have definitely lived the Dark Academia life ... and it has been wonderfully intriguing.

[@muffuletta.sandwich]

what fountain/dip/quill pens would you reccomend? I’ve been trying to get some for years.

[@forrestprice8928]

You have such a unique and fascinating eye for fashion. I love how you aren't afraid to try something out of the ordinary, just because it makes you happy. Very inspiring!

[@RubyGranger8]

thank you! :)x

[@jasminesmith6361]

I really love all of your descriptions and just your linguistic style. It's very soothing and also informative. I really love the way you just described everything in a flowy manner rather than doing a numbered list. It truly suits the academia aesthetic.

[@nocturnalcreatures7137]

I was never interested in that aesthetic bcs I thought it had to do with outfits only but I do adore the ideology behind all of this. I think it would help me a lot in terms of my productivity. After all, a positive mindset towards knowledge is linked to academic success.

[@ellis1034]

Twilight is also an aesthetic GEM and I don't care what y'all have to say about it, I have loved the movies since I was 11 (I'm 20 now) and they will forever be some of my faves

[@jasmineramirez2445]

Twilight walked so dark academia could run👏🏼 I definitely agree. Twilight will always have a place in my heart and always brings me comfort and joy💙

[@evelynemendessemedo]

it’s so good to hear that you pointed out that it is very white dominated as an aesthetic! feels included as a black woman;)

[@honeybunny3086]

I think I love her aloooot...she just teaches us to enjoy small moments

[@tan_ishka]

I had been practicing dark academia even before knowing there was something like that. And it's just so ❤️ I can't explain it in words how much it resonates with my life and how much I love it 😭❤️

[@rosaartemis]

Ruby you really inspire me to work harder, to learn more, to dive into researching the big questions of life.

[@cynthj]

This is a bit lighter academia than I would prefer as a dark academia devotee - definitely the themes of hedonism and bacchanalia are ever-present; almost the recklessness and blowing off steam from such a rigorous academic lifestyle, but of course, I definitely enjoyed this video a lot and seeing a lighter, healthier take on this aesthetic :)

[@_isabellaathena]

Light academia is based off of looks and style while dark academia is, in essence, a lifestyle made up of activities. This video primarily talks about dark academia activities so it is not accurate to label this as light academia. People who partake in the dark academia aesthetic should not gatekeep others who decide to participate.

[@cynthj]

@@_isabellaathena I do disagree. Light academia is essentially the removal of the darker elements of dark academia (flirting with the idea of death, obsession, hedonism, existentialism, etc) and is more about positivity and self-care, something I think we all love about Ruby's videos, in general. It was simply worth commenting that to be a complete guide, the darker elements might also have been mentioned. Both aesthetics are amazing and people are free to engage in whatever they want.

[@cynthj]

@a n It's definitely more unsavory, but you find the theme of death, for example, in the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe (which Ruby loves) which has dark academia written all over it. x

[@lovelybubble3162]

@a n Well, sometimes aesthetic isn't always pleasant. French poet Charles Baudelaire experimented a lot with aesthetic of gore. Such a poets lived bohemic life and had darkness in their poetry. So, I guess I understand what ladyadventure wanted to point out - Dark Academia is not always pretty and not always lightweight. It has elements of lust, deep dark fears, our inner dark side and so on. I understand why Ruby wouldn't include this into her video, but left like this seems a bit more of a light academia. No hate, I love Ruby's videos so much 🖤🖤🖤

[@PlaceboEllie]

my first thought was that working late into the night for a lot of people mentioned here was because of all the cocaine haha

[@LizPoMHolmes]

I cannot stop watching this video. Please do more dark academia related videos. I just realised I am very into it and my style is like this according to the books, series, films and music I listen to.

[@ivetavideva8665]

yeah it's a beautiful experience...but isnt it lonely too? most of the activities are about being on your own... we also learn a lot from others. life isn't only about serious issues and that kind of learning. life shoud be also about having fun, making memories and start having experience from all the genres in life, not just reading about them and 'preparing' for them.

[@Realisticallyliteral]

Staying up until 3 AM bickering about which Brontë was the best author is not a solitary experience. Spending sunny afternoons out on the grass, reciting your favourite summer poems to each other is not something serious. Speaking to each other in French for the sake of improvement but getting distracted by the complete confusion on your friends faces is definitely a memory made. I know what you mean, but just because these things can be done alone, doesn't mean they are.

[@teaforthetiller.]

true! but the activities ruby mentioned can be very fulfilling for ppl who are introverts like me :) i think a balance is always good though!! bc were in quarantine these are really nice ways to spend time without other people

[@lornaa8077]

I kind of agree, although ita probably ok to spend some time like this, living it as a lifestyle doesn't seem healthy 🤔

[@AlexandraaFeodorovna]

When you know how the ''others'' are, you don't want to learn from them. Chose your relations wisely.

[@iansweet8978]

Honestly, isolating yourself isn’t healthy, but there’s nothing more satisfying than becoming your own close friend. Socializing is good, but it’s also very distracting and can fill your head with all kinds of funny ideas that aren’t natural or helpful. Just my take on it, so to each their own, ya crazy kids

[@inkdotcom]

you are my comfort youtuber truly

[@juliaschmidt2494]

Her:"anything by Tchaikovsky really or anything by the classical artists" Me, a german: Tchaikovsky is from the romantic epoche, just like Liszt, Chopin, Wagner, Schubert, Berlioz and Beethoven.

[@puddle8304]

+ Robert Schumann :) (Komme auch aus Deutschland🙈)

[@Atmviola]

Honestly, I think the Second Viennese School composers (Webern, Schoenberg, Berg) fit the dark academia aesthetic best!

[@samiraansari5686]

Yes, but in colloquial language, the romantic period and a few others usually tend to be grouped together as „classical music“, (in the same way that the written works of this era are usually called „classic literature“), so that is obviously what she meant.

[@martinalico5186]

This is the main problem when you want to "look like" but you're really not

[@beverlythebird5040]

Ruby you are the GODDESS of aesthetic videos. the layout and VoiceOver and the ugghgh this video was beautiful

[@preethi3414]

Never been this early!I was about to sleep,but came here after seeing your notification! Love from India❤️

[@abhirupbhattacharya519]

Hi fellow indian

[@Nightshade2412]

Thank you for this, I have been in such a slump this week and finding it really hard to be productive, which has drawn me back to DA as a way of romanticising studying. But since a lot of what I see online these days is sooooo look-based, it's been hard to reconnect to the emotions at the heart of it, the ones that make me strive to push forward. Hearing you talk in the first half of this video especially really hit home ❤

[@UniceLiu]

just watched the first version but gonna watch it again bc this vid is so aesthetic and cuteee

[@lmerce3855]

I find this so fascinating... how I've adored many of the things you've classified as "dark academia". How many of us are attracted to these things collectively without realising . I've always wondered why am I so fascinated with the past, why do I find it so intriguing, so inspiring.

[@jennysterg322]

I’ve been into “dark academia” (before it was a thing) since the 00s when I was a teenager. I love the aesthetic as far a books, film, music and activities go (reading, writing, drinking tea in cozy candlelight etc). I’ve always been bookish and into the classics while all my peers were trying to be “trendy”. So it makes me so happy to see this finally becoming a thing of its own. The only thing, out of the whole aesthetic, which I’ve never much liked is the fashion, as I find that style a bit boring - apart from the plaid skirts maybe, which are cute.

[@NasyaReadsJournals]

I so relate, I had no idea it had a name but I've loved all things dark academia since I was a kid. Totally with you on the fashion though too. Some pieces I like but I like a lot more modern/edgier fashion.

[@mehrnda]

We're so related..

[@jet4308]

Same! I have always loved this aesthetic. It is all just so calming to me IDK why. I have loved it for years even before it became “a thing”

[@belwynne1386]

I also think this aesthetic includes classic architecture, old masters art and gilded frames, dark colored walls and cold blocking draperies. Rugs and easy chairs with lamps for reading. Very nicely done, Ruby!

[@romanoffedits_2857]

I love harry potter too

[@silvermoon1235]

This is one of the best videos on dark academia i’ve seen, i’m in love ugh

[@vipulmeena7395]

It becomes a little difficult to enjoy studying when you have to memorise a lot of things

[@mooony22]

as a high school student it gets difficult when its something you don't enjoy.

[@nepenthe1446]

This is an excellent overview of Dark Academia and frankly one of your best videos I’ve seen. The script, filming and audio are spot on and the different aspects you touch upon are well curated and presented.

[@Why_violet]

the cinematography of this video is such high quality! I noticed you have been refining your editing style in your recent videos, which is not going unnoticed :) so thank you Ruby, it's a beautiful video and your passion really inspires

[@RubyGranger8]

ah that means a lot for you to comment that Lisa!! x

[@lesego3965]

Thank you so much for including the fact that people of colour also love this aesthetic! ❤️

[@megl9638]

I love Turn: Washington’s Spies so much ! And the music is amazing too 🥰

[@teocrawford]

I'm actually just researching this aesthetic for a video essay about two photographers who I believe are influenced by this aesthetic, but now watching this I'm hooked by your passion and fascination for dark academia - so much that you're kind of convincing me to try this out myself hahah :,D

[@ankitac7373]

I've always wondered what the trend around dark academia is, thank you so much for this video! It clears a lot up :D

[@kseniakorneeva5277]

I really love how you pointed out he negatives as well. It also promotes smoking and drinking way too much coffee which is not good especially for minors! But i simply loved this video and you talked about it so wonderfully. Thank you!

[@ameliawiseman1158]

I’d recommend the soundtracks of the imitation game the book thief and to kill a mockingbird

[@chrissanbolario8957]

Out of all the dark academia tutorial videos that I've watched, this is the most helpful one.

[@annaweiss7256]

the way you described the concept of dark academia with such sweet words, you mentioned all the important aspects like reading and studying late into the night, just this obsession with broadening your knowledge and enjoying Shakespeare, Dickens or Virgil more than anything really makes me speechless thank you

[@faeriehearthwitch6185]

Fun video! Loved how poetic it was at the beginning! You should do one for each season of the year! Adding some movie/show/book titles for you. 84 Charing Cross Road, Maurice, Howard's End, Shadowlands, Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, The Illusionist, Colette, Tolkien, The Emperor's Club, Northanger Abbey, Only Lovers Left Alive, School Ties, Mary Shelley, The Queen's Gambit, Never Let Me Go, His Dark Materials, We Have Always Lived in the Castle, The Winslow Boy. xx

[@daliamagdi6720]

She looks so elegant from the beginning of the video 🤩

[@exlibrisnoctis]

This video fuels me in ways I cannot describe, absolute perfection.

[@aprilburnett2992]

To be honest I love this aesthetic, but the way it is set up is entirely too classist. Fancy tea and tea pots and cups, good paper and ink, nice notebooks, good books that don't look damaged, desks, etc. I wish there was more academic aesthetics that could comply with people with dollar store notebooks, water, and a simple computer.

[@mooony22]

lol, its funny as a student sometimes the old messed up books would easily catch my eyes. Well according to the half-blood prince that's not too bad

[@SaffariRose]

Which is ironic because the real dark academics are actual messy scatter brains with old worn out books, shoes, and clothes that don't fit quite right but have become a personality trait. A lot of them are anti-social, can't look you in the eye for a general conversation unless they are recounting something they've uncovered or read or discussing some equally strange artist /writer/ art piece or poetry. It's usually the case that when certain lifestyles become commodified, the actual essence of it dies; just like with minimalism or sustainability which has become something only the rich can participate in. It's sad.

[@daisyxoxo62]

I think chaotic academia would be a good one for you, it still focuses on old books and things but usually old ones you can get in a charity shop for a pound. Also a lot of the clothing in this branch is more mismatched and accessible to fund for cheap! I love this type of academia and I’d recommend looking into it :)

[@SaffariRose]

@@Givebackthescarf Ruby only shows her lifestyle through a lense so ofcourse it's going to be stylized for public consumption. Nobody knows what she's like behind all that except her family and close friends. She could be as scatter-brained as the average academia. Moreso, I wasn't even talking about her in particular but the faux aesethetics of it in general. It IS romanticized in a way that makes it pleasurable to be viewed but not so much to be experienced and for something that should technically be accessible, has become exclusory even though it's way removed from it's stuffy Oxford/Cambridge origins. So I'm not exactly sure why you jumped to conclusions on a general topic to label her what I didn't and even inserted your ADHD as if I attacked general hygiene or organization skills. If it didn't apply to you, why are you bothered?

[@nevermore5792]

Yeah, I really like this aesthetic, but I think it'd be cool if there was a "real academia" aesthetic centered around the things you described, reading free articles on JSTOR, using free online resources to learn, stuff like that.

[@sir9integra9jr]

Golden Lanni is an awesome dark academia KZbinr! Also it's a pretty standard book but since you didn't mention it, I love If We Were Villains. This aesthetic is the only one I've ever found that fits what I've been my whole life: always absorbed in a book, learning about something, writing with fountain pens at school and dip pens at home, deep love of classical art, loving learning above all else. I got a degree in molecular biology and a degree in music performance and finally found out that my life's calling is to bring scientific rigor to musicology, which is the academic study of music (including music history, theory, etc.). I'm just overjoyed to finally get to leave the laboratory and dive back into dusty old books of music history and spend days in the library with a coffee and a pile of research books, just like I always loved doing.

[@queen0fhell193]

Oh my...that song! "Achiles come down" by Gang of youths is a wonderful masterpiece. Since I discovered it, about a month ago, I'm obsessed with it.

[@matiasparedes611]

"I hope you have a productive week", what a better way to finish a dark academia video. People are too much concerned about productivity these days.

[@nic6176]

Some thoughts I wanted to share with those complaining that the aesthetic is eurocentric : That is literally the whole point of the aesthetic ,judging by the fact that the cultural aspect is a huge element in it. Its about mimicing a pretentious english/german/ french aspiring academic , a young person that goes to college in a prestigious school with gothic architecture and has elististic conversations about the subjectivity in art or morality with his close circle of friends that are equally passionate and resite poetry in their free time in yards or something. Truth is it has nothing to do ,and you cant connect it even if you want with others cultures. It would ruin its originallity and whole theme. No one stops anyone from creating an aesthetic that revolves around their culture. And I would be happy to jump along and join these communities if and when that happens , but forcing irrelevant things together just for the shake of diversity ruins the aesthetic thats not supposed to have variety in the first place . Aesthetics are not forced upon you, you create them and they represent you when you and your enviriment share their elements. If you feel like you cant relate to them, just make or find one you can relate to. And Im saying all of these as a Greek person that also doesnt feel culturally represented in this aesthetic even if Im from europe. It doesnt matter that dark academia revolves around ancient greek literarure too either ,because the way a foreigner approaches these works is 100% different with the way Greeks do. The english dark academia representative is for example Oscar Wild and romantic poets etc . Whats coming to mind when you think about them ? 19th century , Classical music, foggy evenings, candles , huge libraries with dusty books, intellectuals sipping their wine in their rich outfits throwing snarky comments on top of vintage furniture. When in the meantime, our representative national poets and writers in the modern age wrote poems about mythology, the sea, olive trees, the struggles of the people in the working class and villages . And in the sunny evening they would go to the old taverna store in Athens wearing blue cascets to talk about politics with extroverted free spirited people that would never shut up. ( btw modern greek literature is criminally underrated and I recommend) There's nothing remotely ''dark academia'' about this image.Even if we go back to the 19th century all the nottable Greek academics where scattered in all the big cities and universtities of western Europe while the rest of Greeks were fighting a revolution in long white skirts in the mountains. Most of them didnt even get a chance to have basic education along with many other countries in the balkans . So I hope you can all see where Im coming from. You may not be familiar with its cultural aspect but Dark Academia is a beautiful aesthetic nonetheless , and we should all accept it for what it is : one dimentional and flawed.

[@kmrwmk4585]

It’s not ‘complaining’, it is valid criticism. It’s a hark back to an era where the British firmly believed their culture to be superior and did many abominable things in defense of that belief. We are now in a place where knowledge beyond our own tiny cultural bubble is quite literally at our fingertips and to not pursue it is lazy. Funny how we’re talking about a relentless pursuit of knowledge, but only so far as that knowledge relates to whiteness. Where is the relentless pursuit of black history and black literature? Asian history and Asian literature? Its almost more offensive to acknowledge the problems with this ‘aesthetic’ and then go on to make a 12 min video that didn’t feature a single writer or director of colour. We need to do better.

[@Eva-ld9hh]

@@kmrwmk4585 exactly. i see so many people in theses comments ignorantly associating the aesthetic of academic with whiteness LMAO

[@nic6176]

@@kmrwmk4585 This aesthetic has nothing to do with black or asian history and knowledge centered around these cultures, even if one of its main elements is in fact the persuit of knowledge. Taking part in this aesthetic means that you are imitating an era where yes ,in fact, the british wrongly thought that they were superior. Everyone is judging this. That doesnt mean you should condem the aesthetic based on the morals your society has developed you with,today. Its just an aesthetic( by definition : a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty and taste ) , not an ideology. Liking it doesn't mean you automatically approve of all the attrocities white people comitted in the 19th century and the wrongs in their lifestyle. We are indeed at the age of information. They were not. For better or for worse the very core of this aesthetic is whiteness and western white european culture. If you want to talk about asian or black history and culture there's nothing stopping you from creating an aesthetic that revolves around them, so we can all be happy and so nobody feels excluded. Her video is fine and representative of the aesthetic. Poc writers and books are saddly not representative of the aesthetic and thus she had no reason to include them. In her defence she included Jules Vern in the dark academia works she presented who was a writer that opposed and criticized imperialism in his era.Your critisism isn't valid.

[@kmrwmk4585]

@@nic6176 My criticism is completely valid, and you validated it in your first sentence. White people and white culture do not exist in a vacuum. To exclusively ‘pursue knowledge’ of whiteness is pure fantasy play and highly problematic at best. Also, a great number of the books and films featured were released in the last 10-15 years. This is where the ‘its history/they didn’t know better’ argument falls down. Are we saying that people of colour still aren’t worthy then? Why? Ruby can and should do better than this.

[@nic6176]

@@kmrwmk4585 You don't 'pursue knowledge' of whiteness ( also the term whiteness is literally so stupid. White races are so different from each other. They just share some cultural elements because of their geography. People forget that countries different than America exist somehow) . You pursue knowledge of a CUTLURE ( also knowledge in general but I was clearly not talking about that and maybe I could have phrased it better)naturally through imitating being part of it. Although , The fact that you are pursuing knowledge of a culture as an individual doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue knowledge about the whole world in general. You should. But it will not be representative of the aesthetic BECAUSE the aesthetic revolves around western european culture and you are basically imitating someone from there its natural that the POINT OF VIEW that you have for the world as a member of the community is eurocentric. I can't have the same point of view with a person from asia or africa or america, because we live in different places and care more for our country's and people's well being. Of course, there is a huge difference between being patriotic and being a racist nationalist that should be criticized. The thing is I may naturally have different beliefs and prejudices( that derive from my culture) than yours that derive from your culture that affect my activities. Also, my arguement is not '' they didnt know better ''summed up . What I was trying to say is that everything is a chain.And activities and aesthetics can derive from a culture that is affected by bad history ,that at the end of the day has noting to do with it. I was not referring to the most recent releases but the 19th century era from where the majority of visuals and literature and key elemements representative of the aesthetic derive from. As far as it concerns recent releases of films and art and literature that are at the core of aesthetic , they are eurocentric and white focused and feature 19th century works ( Dead poets society with Oh captain ,my captain ) FOR A REASON. Because its logical from a plot and geographical point of view. They feauture a lifestyle that poc people would have been strange to have for cultural reasons. A community about aesthetics can be limited. Its not an idiology, its just a background with superficial visuals and lifestyles that consist of things like reading Shaekspeare. Learning about the Aztecs and studying chinese literature is also great, its just not part of dark academia aesthetically. Why is it so difficult to understand ?

[@tinaztuna371]

ruby i love that you spoke about dark academia being really euro centric as a south asian i love this aesthetic so much but sometimes feel like its not for me

[@sumayyahkhan8897]

Same comment i made on the other video. What happened to it?

[@RubyGranger8]

Sorry about that! I uploaded the first draft of the video by accident!

[@sabibarahman7278]

KZbin does not display the views immediately unlike the likes.

[@tekianbeyenegmicale5360]

@@sabibarahman7278 ya

[@sumayyahkhan8897]

@@sabibarahman7278 ohh, that explains it

[@sinzandie]

you're such a wonderful person addressing the problems with dark academia

[@yveaszz]

10:30 why did i start crying as soon as i recognized achilles, come down

[@analu4971]

ruby's positive mindset makes me feel happy :)

[@margotnardone8753]

a good girl's guide to murder is one of my favorite books, and I definitely recommend it to those just getting into the aesthetic!

[@lyra9767]

His dark material series as book and Imitation game as movie were my favorite of all❤️

[@monicamoraleshernandez1819]

I love you stated the trigger warnings about Dark Academia!!! you're the best! I love your video

[@akemibravo6900]

I think Dark Academia is about really love doing the activities that you mentioned, and really enjoyed learning new things, that you think that all the things are incredible, that poetry, music, art, and stuff like that is are awesome and you surprise with everything single new thing

[@monicab.9093]

“A light *jumper*”. Love it

[@cameronadkins]

For a long time I never knew I was combining cottagecore and dark academia in my own personal preferences in style. Thank you for this video in bringing more awareness to the dark academia aesthetic! 🙂

[@honeypotfilms6066]

idk why but candles are literally so mesmerizing to me 😌 - honeypot films

[@zaasaa_art]

I loved it when you mentioned the criticisms, because this part is most of the time missed and I think the best way is to see both dark and bright sides of it.

[@ragdollflop]

So excited you reposted Ruby! Also, bought the Master ToDo List for my birthday, can't wait to get it💕💕🥰🌻✨

[@iva-marimiskulin1787]

omg organ sonata no 4 by bach is the perfect piece to just sit and listen to at midnight. also vikingur olafsson is an absolutely incredible pianist. I'm so happy that the stigma saying "you need to be a snobby white old person to listen to classical music" is fading.

[@Sukerkin]

:smiles: So it seems my university days were well ahead of the aesthetic curve - I was fashionable for once ... just forty years early!

[@dancingheart6224]

Honestly I'm glad you made this video because I feel like you truly understand what it means!

[@lonewolf1374]

You need to read "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova "To you, perceptive reader, I bequeath my history...."

[@its_katiejones]

i can't explain how much peace you bring me Ruby 🤎

[@seromelda1845]

Thanks for the great introduction to dark academia! However, I think the 'disclaimer' that dark academia is euro-centric or white-dominated was totally off base. Sometimes I think we are so pressured to be politically correct that we rush to apologize for things that should not give offense in the first place. It makes sense that this aesthetic would be "euro-centric" as Europe is where you find many classical academic institutions. That doesn't mean people outside Europe can't enjoy it, any more than I can't enjoy anime or manga because I'm not Japanese. Please don't reach for racism where it doesn't exist. In my opinion, this only creates more division. Just let people enjoy things for what they are.

[@nogggg111]

Amen

[@glow15]

Well said, I thought the same. Europe has a lot of history at the beginning of academia, the way we see it as institutions of knowledge and all. So it makes sense why the aesthetic is surrounding that - which I love!

[@vaibhavi.singh.]

Yes! Anyway, the video was so informative, thank you Ruby for putting it out here!

[@elinat2414]

Agreed! The dark academia aesthetic is based on old English universities and vintage style. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it’s white dominated. Of course anyone can enjoy it, be a part of it and take inspiration from it. But the fact that the majority of the people you see are white is simply because of the fact it is a European and vintage aesthetic and doesn’t reflect modern Britain all that well. I’m not saying that problematic media doesn’t exist, but I personally don’t think this is an example of it. In the same way that a traditional Polish or a Bollywood aesthetic aren’t problematic because they mainly reflect a culture and the people that are the dominant group in that culture.

[@Ynnnn143]

Places like Oxford and Cambridge are historically elite institutions that favour white men and a lot of the iconography surrounding it is v Eurocentric not bc it’s in the UK but bc it’s actively excluded pocs from going there

[@maziekate]

Ruby, I've not even finished the video and I just have to tell you how lovely it is. The editing, the music, the ideas - it's clear you've put SO much work into this, and I really really appreciate it

[@ReeceChambers99]

For music, some of 'Folklore' by Taylor Swift, anything by Sigur Ros, Max Richter and also Daniel Herskedal... just some names that spring to mind there.

[@carysmacmillan2073]

Yea cardigan really gives off the dark academic vibe

[@someonenotsomeone8450]

I think the most amazing thing about this trend/aesthetic is that I pretty much grew up in a dark academia loving household. I literally have a family full of librarians who are also workaholics. My house is full of bookshelves overflowing with old books, new books, textbooks, and so so so many encyclopedia collections. There are three typewriters in this house. We love tea (we're american, so this is a bit of a novel thing) we love greek inspired art and classical art in general. There are old paintings everywhere. Classical literature is quoted daily. I started reading Shakespeare and the count of monte cristo in the fourth grade. Studying isn't a negative thing in my house, we all genuinely love and enjoy school and learning and the process of learning. We all have and use a strangely large and complex vocabulary. We don't dress the way of the dark academiaaesthetic though, and I'm the only one that likes classical music. One of my siblings is into photography and another one is into calligraphy. Also, we don't go to private schools. I really hope this doesn't come off as to hipster or pretentious but... we were all into dark academia before dark academia was cool. I find it so fascinating that it's suddenly popular.

[@Realisticallyliteral]

If you haven't read If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio I *highly* recommend it. I felt like it was everything I wanted The Secret History to be.

[@cynthj]

It was so good! TSH is still my favorite but I love what If We Were Villains brought to the table. The ending had be shook.

[@Realisticallyliteral]

@@cynthj For me, the major triumph of IWWV was how truly morally grey the characters are which I didn't find as true with the cast of TSH but it also reminded me of some of the things I loved about TSH.

[@nycto16]

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne is my favourite since 6th grade because it was part of my literature class.

[@billoddy5637]

Hey, same. But I read it in my own time In 1996, Concorde flew around the world in 31 hours! How the world has changed.

[@nycto16]

@@billoddy5637 ohh wow...

[@KarlaCunhaa]

so, is basically the dark and gloomy U.K aesthetic

[@lpollock01]

weather's so bad we have to sit and study home learning XD

[@Manya_twr]

Whenever I watch ur videos I just have unintentional smile

[@AnaValentin574]

Thank you for acknowledging the euro centrism that exist within this aesthetic. its so important for white creators to point out issues like this.

[@clichepuffeatingdiaries]

This video is so beautifully edited! Wow!

[@stephaniecairns5608]

I'd really recommend If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio and Maurice by E.M. Forster (as well as the film) 💛

[@Eloisein7]

I'd love to see a cottagecore video like this xx