Finishing off Chapter One

As the title suggests, I think I am nearing a completed draft of Chapter One. After meeting with Paul in Fremantle, we spoke briefly about how this chapter should be done... and we've concluded with the idea that Schopenhauer, while important, should only be granted a very brief mention. The arguments and connections made by Nuno Nabais in the paper The Individual and Individuality in Nietzsche suggests that this connection is an important one, however, it is uncertain of the level of influence Schopenhauer exactly had over Nietzsche regarding the ideas of individuality. While an intriguing argument, I will only introduce briefly the idea...

However, after a database search last night, I found a paper by Walter Sokel entitled On the Dionysian in Nietzsche, which seems to suggest the connection as well. So perhaps this idea is more prevalent than once thought, especially the idea of an all encompassing unity that provides comfort to the individual.

So... that is where I am right now. I like the idea, and I think it is a great introduction and starting point for the thesis. I should finish off Chapter One in a number of days! :)

While out in Fremantle, we went second hand book shopping. Paul wanted me to find some Nietzsche translations by Walter Kaufmann, and we were in luck! I purchased The Will to Power and The Birth of Tragedy (two major books I've been drawing upon). I have been relying on cheap $3 translation of the BoT for study/reading/throwing so it is nice to finalise my studies on the book with a Kaufmann translation.

Summer days of difficult focus.

So... I have about 1400 words down for the chapter...

I am finding it difficult to write... I think it is because I am too harsh a critic with every sentence I try to structure. Nothing seems right.

Usually foolish ramblings during early AM hours produce some sort of usable content... but here it just seems like I am a child scribbling about a topic that is too great for her to handle.

Who knew writing a philosophy thesis could be so hard...

But... as much as I have my doubts, I just cannot see myself not finishing this. I will not let my supervisor be disappointed in me... it just feels like something that would never happen. So.... the means to my end in 6 months will happen... somehow.

It's easier to work in cooler weather. The heat waves of Summer are awful.. I am considering spending the future hot days in the Seville Grove library, but it is a shame it is not open in the evenings.

Regarding my thesis chapter, I am finding it difficult connecting the ideas of Schopenhauer and Nietzsche together. Perhaps there is just a big picture I am missing when I read the Birth of Tragedy. Then again... it is a complex read that any sort of interpretation is bound to be questioned.