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: “the Other”
good person
This is what I was trying to say a few months ago to someone: When a friend does something wrong, we quickly defend the person and say “but she is a good person.” We usually end up saying that about … Continue reading
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vanishing faces
She was standing in front of me, talking to me, this person I knew so well. Everything about her was the same — I mean, I knew it was her — except her face. Her face was entirely different. I … Continue reading
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youthful flexibility
Today I was sourced as an authority (qua philosopher) by 12 year old girls to solve a conflict. Frances was complaining because Camille was saying she was so inexcusably gullible. Apparently, once Frances’ sister showed her a piece of red … Continue reading
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Deo gratias
I met someone just like me, to my own horror. And realized what I do not want to be anymore.
Posted in "the Other", Self Contemplation
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passing
Everyone seems to be just passing by everyone else. Is there anything more than passing? Maybe all social interaction could be reduced to the microcosm of a bunch of people walking along a street every which way, waving and smiling … Continue reading
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