final post

            We have finally finished discussing Notes From The Underground. Our last discussion (which took place today) quite frankly scared me. Everyone knows that they have secrets hidden deep within, but truth be told, it is in fact terrifying to even acknowledge these secrets. Furthermore, the idea that any one of these thoughts that we keep locked in the recesses of our minds could blossom into insanity is frightening. While I did know these dark thoughts existed, I believe it takes strength to truly face these thoughts; strength that quite frankly I don’t believe I posses at the moment, and being the idea that I am weak frightens me even more.

Subsequently, in all honesty, this is one of the densest books I have ever read. As I was reading it, due to the fact that Shapiro emphasized note taking and analysis, I really did try quite hard to understand everything that Dostoyevski was saying. Despite this, after having the discussions, I must say I missed and misinterpreted quite a bit of information. The discussions certainly cleared up numerous points that Dostoyevski was making and it was interesting to see others take on the subject. Moreover, when examples were presented by Shapiro to explain Dostoyevski’s ideas further it definitely clarified some things. Nonetheless, had I read it on my own I still would have learned a thing or two about the human psyche and found value in the book. I believe that no matter who you are the contents of this book are valuable (if you can understand them). People may argue that it does not hold any monetary value, but then again, you’re kind of a douche if you only value things by how much wealth they can bring you.

Finally, what I will most remember from this book cannot be simplified down to one thing. It really has provided a different perspective on many things, whether it is religion and society or the human psyche. When it comes to religion, I never would have thought of it as a bi-product of society meant to regulate us. Of course I am still religious, but I don’t disagree with Dostoyevski. In fact, I see what he is saying and I find it interesting. With respect to the human psyche, it has honestly scared me. Dostoyevski has made me doubt humans, doubt myself, though ultimately I still believe that we as humans are inherently good creatures, perhaps because I don’t like to entertain the idea that even I am evil, or perhaps because I don’t want to give up hope for our race. In the end, though the book was a b*tch to analyze and understand, I enjoyed it.