Holiday Letters

I was doing some light reading today through Kaufmann's book 'Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Antichrist'. On Christmas Day he wrote a letter with some of his most powerful words;

This last bite of life was the hardest I've have chewed yet, and it is still possible that I may suffocate on it. I have suffered of the ignominious and tormenting memories of this summer as of a madness.... lived in solitude too long.... I am being broken on the wheel of my own feelings. If only I could sleep! But the strongest doses of my opiates help me no more than my six-to-eight-hour marches.
If I do not discover the alchemist's trick of turning even this - filth into gold, I am lost. - Thus I have the most beautiful opportunity to prove that for me "all experiences are useful, all days holy, and all human beings divine'!!!!"

Just when I am feeling the same at times throughout this period of the year, these words are comforting in a way. Who knew more than anyone the dire state of the human condition, but he remains optimistic in the sense that he appreciates that every experience is useful... I guess to take this observation on board is helpful to some. Myself included.

I don't know...

Interesting reading from a Christmas Day long ago.

Thesis chapter one is coming along okay. I am in Wagin town right now - so a nice table to work on and a quiet atmosphere at night-time.

Update

So..

After a few weeks of relaxing, exam results, sleep and thesis outline preparation, I have now a specific essay to write, the first of four sections.

I'll be focusing on Nietzsche's initial concept of the individual by way of Schopenhauer as it appears in his work before ~1880.

Where to start? How to begin? ... ... throwing ideas around. We'll see I guess in the next few weeks of research and writing how this will turn out the first draft.

Unit results were out last Friday, Distinctions for both units. Better than I feared in one, so I am not complaining. This Semester was very stressful and very hard doing two 400 level units, but, I did alright. :)

Motivation is hard to find.... just so lonely in this house right now, it is hard to focus... silence is deafening.