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TERSA COOPER's avatar

What strikes me is that many industries benefit when people feel incomplete. If you're convinced you're not attractive enough, successful enough, wealthy enough, or fulfilled enough, you'll keep buying, scrolling, and searching for the next thing that promises satisfaction. The pursuit never ends because the dissatisfaction is part of the business model.

The irony is that a culture obsessed with self-fulfillment often leaves people feeling more isolated, while a faith centered on self-giving was designed to bind people together.

costory's avatar

Love this perspective in the context of the male loneliness epidemic! When I read White Nights I only felt sympathetic for the Dreamer, like it was the 19th century version of a devastating 2010’s-esque situationship. Interesting to see how the meaning shifts if you resonate more with his or Nastenka’s position

♥✧.♡˚Serbian Babushka˚♡.✧♥'s avatar

oo interesting perspective! I can definitely see it from that angle too, I think I read it in a very jaded time of my life haha, thanks for reading!!

Just here and there 🖋's avatar

I love reading book talks like this...Although I initially thought I will be interested in White Nights ..but this looks convincing ☺️

Caz McGovern's avatar

i studied dostoevsky a lot in college and this piece was such a treat - loved it, thank you for sharing!

♥✧.♡˚Serbian Babushka˚♡.✧♥'s avatar

omg slayyy, thanks for reading!!

greek salad's avatar

This is such a thoughtful piece Babushka. I haven't read the book, but your analysis of current societal issues through the book is fantastic. Your sentence 'We are currently in an era where everyone is convinced that there is something wrong with themselves, and that they are a project to be improved infinitely.' dunked me deep in thought. We aren't then? Subconsciously, I think my mind also feeds into this. Thank you for sharing.

Charles's avatar

Honestly this was so refreshing. I instantly knew it would be good because I smiled at the title, combining modern lingo with such literature folklore is mesmerising. I will definitely be reading White Nights now. Thank you for the recommendation of your work I look forward to your next article! :)

♥✧.♡˚Serbian Babushka˚♡.✧♥'s avatar

thank you so much for reading!! :))

Jennalyn Reads and Writes's avatar

I've never read White Nights, but now you've convinced me. Putting it on my TBR!

D 🍎's avatar

what an interesting essay, wow, even better than i would have imagined! it is finally my time to read this book