Nausea, by Jean-Paul Sartre. This is the story of Antoine Roquentin, a French writer who is dismayed at his existence. In diary form, he records every feeling and sensation he has about the disgusting world he finds himself in. His thoughts cause a powerful, overcoming feeling of nausea which "spreads at the bottom of the viscous puddle, at the bottom of our time- the time of purple suspender and broken chair seats; it is made of wide, soft instants spreading at the edge, like an oil stain." ( Note: this book was written in the late thirties, in the midst of World War II and depression. So, Sartre had many reasons to be displeased with society). This is a favorite book of mine, even though I only read it for the first time this summer. Many philosophical questions are pondered in this book, such as the meaning of existence and finding purpose in one's life. After reading this book it is not difficult to understand why Sartre was so influential in the Existentialist movement. Another notable character in this book is the Self-Taught man who spends his days in the library reading through all its books, starting with A and going through, never out of order. Despite his unseemly end, he appears as a figure of hope, that knowledge is available, and accessible, to anyone. Anyone interested in reading this book may be able to find it at Gordon Library, if not it's readily available in bookstores. I have a copy that I may be willing to lend if asked nicely.
Just an interesting little fact I found out while looking through my neat little WPI planner. (the one that everybody on campus got) WPI has memberships to both the Worcester Art Museum and Higgins Armory Museum. Both are reasonably close, the WAM is about three blocks down Institute and Higgins is up by the Greendale Mall (that gray building with all the flags that you can see from the side entrance to Lechmere). I'm not sure about Higgins, but you can go to the WAM for FREE with your WPI id. So, next time you're sitting around bored on the weekend, take a stroll down the street for some culture. The current exhibit is "Great Gifts: From Breughel to Renoir", a showing of donations to the museum over the years. Until next time.
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