Fantastic writing. I had an RCIA teacher who also taught me that Hell is the absence of God. Jean-Sartre told me that "l'enfer c'est les autres." Then again, Jimmy's Chicken Shack taught me that "Everyone you meet is a mirror of yourself." Sometimes I wonder.
Chris Rock said, "Only women, children, and dogs are loved unconditionally. A man is only loved under the condition that he provide something." I'm pretty confident at least three-quarters of that is true. The last part certainly is. That fact is so fundamental to our society that it is virtually fractal, holographic:: cut off any piece of our culture, zoom in to any random section, and there it is. It could well transcend our society. It is interesting to posit why this is, but I find it perhaps even more interesting to wonder why I--and it would seem at least some of "les autres"--would ever assume differently, And why would it still make me a bit sad?
I have theories, of course. I always have theories .But, that's a story for a different day. Alex's excellent tale is the story of this day, and I am a grateful he shared it.
Thanks for the kind words man. The trouble posting stories like this is that many will think it’s autobiographical. It’s not. Just an exploration of some themes that I think are common to a lot of people, men and women: in a money centric society, what would you do for money? In a society that doesn’t frown upon things like infidelity anymore, what’s the big deal? Those sort of things.
Men are only loved unconditionally by their mothers. The rest is transactional.
Quite welcome! I figured this was fiction--as I suspected that your wife had the Internet too haha--but fiction can often be the best source of truth. I found it a very thoughtful (and thought-inspiring) exploration of those themes. Some of the ideas it explores may not be pleasant, but they are honest and well-written, and that makes for worthwhile reading in my book.
This is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about my writing. thank you. One of my biggest fears is repeating myself in my writing, whether it's stylistic or thematic. So this means a lot.
Excerpt of your story was very readable by the way-- excellent characterisation.
I usually don't stick with online fiction until the end, in fact I mostly pass it over without even starting to read, but I read this one and enjoyed it.
Fantastic writing. I had an RCIA teacher who also taught me that Hell is the absence of God. Jean-Sartre told me that "l'enfer c'est les autres." Then again, Jimmy's Chicken Shack taught me that "Everyone you meet is a mirror of yourself." Sometimes I wonder.
Chris Rock said, "Only women, children, and dogs are loved unconditionally. A man is only loved under the condition that he provide something." I'm pretty confident at least three-quarters of that is true. The last part certainly is. That fact is so fundamental to our society that it is virtually fractal, holographic:: cut off any piece of our culture, zoom in to any random section, and there it is. It could well transcend our society. It is interesting to posit why this is, but I find it perhaps even more interesting to wonder why I--and it would seem at least some of "les autres"--would ever assume differently, And why would it still make me a bit sad?
I have theories, of course. I always have theories .But, that's a story for a different day. Alex's excellent tale is the story of this day, and I am a grateful he shared it.
Thanks for the kind words man. The trouble posting stories like this is that many will think it’s autobiographical. It’s not. Just an exploration of some themes that I think are common to a lot of people, men and women: in a money centric society, what would you do for money? In a society that doesn’t frown upon things like infidelity anymore, what’s the big deal? Those sort of things.
Men are only loved unconditionally by their mothers. The rest is transactional.
Really excellent.
I can't help but to want to see more terror. Good stuff. Treats the topic well.
Lots of subtleties about the characters lack of conviction and its grey normality are also really prescient. A zeitgeist doesn't just appear.
If I had to digest it, I'd say the world requires courage. Faith and the willingness to take joy in goodness.
There is also something to be said about solidarity. Bad company wears you down.
Lovely covert themes.
Appreciate it Joseph!
Quite welcome! I figured this was fiction--as I suspected that your wife had the Internet too haha--but fiction can often be the best source of truth. I found it a very thoughtful (and thought-inspiring) exploration of those themes. Some of the ideas it explores may not be pleasant, but they are honest and well-written, and that makes for worthwhile reading in my book.
Excellent, young man. Excellent.
Thank you sir!
You show a hell of a lot of range here. It's hard to believe this is the same author as the Swordbringer books.
This is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about my writing. thank you. One of my biggest fears is repeating myself in my writing, whether it's stylistic or thematic. So this means a lot.
It's the truth!
I enjoyed the story- thank you for sharing it!
Thank you for reading!
The little guy
remains the little guy
in strict proportion
to his unwillingness to lie
I like this. It's true.
Yes a little trite but not the less true for it
Excerpt of your story was very readable by the way-- excellent characterisation.
I usually don't stick with online fiction until the end, in fact I mostly pass it over without even starting to read, but I read this one and enjoyed it.
High praise indeed! Thank you.
Magnificent. Hooked from start to end, thanks for sharing.