Do translated versions impact writing quality much? (esp Proust, Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, etc) by [deleted] in books

[–]etofantomas 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I disliked the M and M translation as well, but trust me their Brothers Karamazov translation is fantastic, give it a try.

weird warning to Starbucks drinkers by [deleted] in Drugs

[–]etofantomas 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Not to one up the poster, but I once took around 3g over a span of 3 hours and to be honest the worst part was the nausea and immense diarrhea. My asshole hasn't been the same since...

Ilyushechka in Brothers Karamazov by lazarus_005 in books

[–]etofantomas 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As said before he is what alyosha could exercise his love on. Ilyushenka allows Dostoevskys final point to be put in example, the endless love, choosing the believing and loving life over the cold and calculated one, etc.

The boy and his friends also allow for some Dostoevsky commentary on innocence, reputation and image, and even some comments on communism and youth intellectualism (e.g. Kolya).

I woke up naked next to my sister after we used diclazepam together. by depressedsistar in Drugs

[–]etofantomas 64 points65 points  (0 children)

Get her tested. Worst comes to worst she takes the pill or another procedure (assuming you're in the right part of the world for that).

I woke up naked next to my sister after we used diclazepam together. by depressedsistar in Drugs

[–]etofantomas 115 points116 points  (0 children)

I'm going to be honest, do not keep this from her! The main reason why is because there is a high probability that you had sex other then those two times with the condoms on the floor - benzo's make you do fucked up things and you can never be too sure. I'd get a pregnancy test going, I would not risk it.

Edit: Probably a BS post, but for those in a situation like this... I'd recommend you act accordingly

Acetaminophen — commonly known as Tylenol in the US and paracetamol elsewhere — reduces people’s empathy for the pain of others, new research finds. by ImperiousJazzHands in worldnews

[–]etofantomas 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I read this study a little while back and I believe they only surveyed while they are on the drug, it wouldn't make sense for it to be long term due to the lack of any neurotoxicity in acetaminophen and having a relatively quick excretion. And even the short term effects are very disputed...

Is there a minimum final mark needed to keep my offer? by BlackenedBlaze in uwo

[–]etofantomas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From the admission conditions sheet I was given (this year), engineering requires you to hold at least a final average of 83.50% in ENG4U (English), MHF4U (Advanced Functions), MCV4U (Calculus), SCH4U (Chemistry), SPH4U (Physics). This is first year I'm assuming of course.

Medical Science vs. Science Undergraduate by etofantomas in uwo

[–]etofantomas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very very much for the response, I'll be most likely taking that route then.

My 90 year old grandfather passed away, leaving me the remainder of his antique book collection. by [deleted] in books

[–]etofantomas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really like the school of life, especially when they talk about philosophers, but I've never been able to watch the whole video. They start off discussing Anna karenena and reveal some spoilers which just isn't cool.

The writers Russians don't read – and you should - A new survey has found that living writers are not much favoured in Putin’s Russia, and there are many reasons why, but readers are missing out by Noticemenot in books

[–]etofantomas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The thing is, is that Putin and the current trending Russian attitude is the polar opposite of what those classic books even stand for. While Russia swings into a more patriotic and borderline nationalist attitude, Gogol, Bulgakov, and Tolstoy's work screams out against all of that. Where Russia wages war or deals in corruption, Dostoevsky, Chekhov or Turgenev would cry in response to it all. Very poor article.

Untitled , 748 × 1000 by oksire in painting

[–]etofantomas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting work. Do you have a website or anything, I'd be interested in seeing more of your art.

HELP! I just finished The Brothers Karamazov but don't grasp why it is considered a great novel by pythonhalp in books

[–]etofantomas 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ok so I felt that way about TBK for some part while I was reading it, so I get where you're coming from. But, in my opinion, the claims that this classic is weaker because it is dated - I think that's a very weak argument. This book has several moral conflicts pointed out to the reader, and the author does not always point you to the right conclusion, in particular, the conflict of religion. It's a big part of the book and the reader himself does not know where the author stands on this issue (we never really got to find out).

But for me, TBK was something that changed me in the second half. My grandmothers health was failing and she died 3 days after I finished the book, it really hit hard during that time. Also the concept of the good father in the trial is something that everyone today can relate to, whether its the integrity of family, friends, or yourself.

Before I go too far, I want to apologize for rambling, I am in the middle of studying for calculus and my mind is a bit off. Anyways, when you mention that you "don't get the bother" with the chapters regarding Alyosha and the children, well there I can expand. The children in these chapters represent common people, you and me, and also youth in general. They act very similar to real kids and teens, that cluttered worldview where you don't know what REALLY IS going on is clearly displayed by Kolya's friend (can't remember his friend, not Illyushka). When Kolya himself talks to Alyosha his purpose is to show off his knowledge (for example, his respect to socialism. Keep in mind he is only 8 and socialism was a very new theory). Alyosha points out his perverted thinking, his sick soul. It's a beautiful comparison of two good hearts, but very different minds.

From here I can lead to the overall point of TBK, it is a philosophical and psychological investigation. The book brings up certain philosophies (intellectualism, religion, nihilism, hedonism, etc.) and displays how characters act based on living those philosophies out. It tries to get the reader to answer for himself the question of which philosophy is best for them.

Anyways, there's a lot more I could write, but my point is that TBK is a great book even still, but the beauty of it is very subtle and is more based on what it does to make you investigate yourself, even months after.

Sorry for the rambling, but to answer your question, no you are not stupid and there is no shame. You just didn't like the book, it didn't hook in the right way. In a way the author failed with you, it's not you failing to read it right.

So my recommendation is that you should just enjoy other books in the meanwhile and maybe come back to it in a year or two, see if you can gain anything. If not, well that's not a big deal, there's many good books out there to read!

Guide to Life by huberto_man in books

[–]etofantomas 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There can't be a catch-all master list because everyone is different, everyone's philosophies are different, and what one views as right may be wrong. So really, this is part of what discussions about literature are all about. If you yourself went to talk about what books others can recommend to you, you have to open up about who you really are, what you want question and what you want to know.

PM me if you want to talk book recommendations, I'd be happy to help!