What was done to him was like what happens on the train, when you think you are moving forward, but are moving backward, and suddenly find out the real direction.
"Yes, it was all not right," he said to himself, "but never mind. I can, I can do 'right.' But what is 'right'?" he asked himself and suddenly grew still.
--from The Death of Ivan Ilyich
Category Archives: General
Writing Despair
There is a certain point in a paper writing process when, all of a sudden, you feel as if you do not know anything at all about what you are writing about. Despair grips you to the point where you … Continue reading
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My whole life, particularly as a student, I have had a hard time holding on to writing utensils. Buying lead refills was always in vain: I would almost always lose the pencil before it required a refill. Why would this … Continue reading
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He giveth more grace
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase, To added affliction He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our … Continue reading
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Fear and Trembling thoughts
The problem of subjectivity in Kierkegaard’s “Fear and Trembling” (whether it is actually a problem depends, of course) is one that worries the non-Kierkegaardian part of me (or non Johannes de Silentio part of me?). A part of me wants … Continue reading
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Mumps?
Everything was going great- awesome- it almost couldn’t be any better- and then, BOOM! A week later I am taking Xanax, and everything has drawn to a sharp halt. That’s all. Just a first line to an idiosyncratic real-life story! … Continue reading
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