Comments on: A Thought from Ivanov

By: Norbert

Norbert — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:52:14 +0000

Great post. If I remember the play correctly, Lebedev (and most of us) overestimate the ability to choose and don’t see that spiral that hopelessness brings: Ivanov has discovered that he has little control over his life, and so finds himself infuriatingly indifferent to the outcome of that life. I don’t think this implies that we lack total control, but more, as you said, that we need to look at that despair with compassion and understanding instead of scorn.

By: The Right Trousers

The Right Trousers — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:22:59 +0000

Heck, we’re barely aware of the real relative heaviness of our own loads. I’ve only ever been *me*, you know? I can only assume it’s the same for everyone else. ;)

By: Tatiana

Tatiana — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:55:28 +0000

So true. It’s always easy and satisfying to criticize instead of mourning. We really have no clue what a heavy load those around us are carrying.

By: Thomas Parkin

Thomas Parkin — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:58:23 +0000

I’ve experienced a healthy dose of your last sentence in the last 24 hours. Thanks for this – in my current state of mind it was instructive. ~

By: smb

smb — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:32:24 +0000

What’s that hymn about inclined to censure? what a potent hymn.

By: Steve Evans

Steve Evans — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:21:51 +0000

Colour me jealous that someone gets to take in the London theatre.