Predetermination

2003-12-21T22:06:07Z

Do you feel that you were born with a predetermined role in society? If so, how do you feel about it?

Everyone in the room looked at Julian. We were used to him opening a lesson with a question, but the others seemed to be surprised at the personal dimension of the one he asked today. Richard shifted in his chair, Charles and Camilla glanced at each other, Francis frowned. Bunny looked blank, as usual. I felt how each of my course mates' eyes turned to me, some gazes rested upon me for fragments of seconds only, but Richard's lingered on my face as if he was expecting a revelation.

Julian raised his eyebrows. "Henry?", he enquired.

I cleared my throat. "I suppose you're aware that your question has been phrased improperly. And I wonder why you asked it the way you did." I paused. "We all know, of course, that the Ancients had a clear view on that matter, and I'm inclined to consent with them." Bunny shot me an annoyed look, Francis brushed an invisible flake of dust from his sleeve.

"Our role in society is determined. Some are born leaders, some are born to follow another person's lead. Our task is to accept our position within that scheme, not to transgress the borders that were set for us - neither try to reach a 'higher' lever nor a 'lower' one. That doesn't say anything about the events which might or might not take place in our lives being destined to happen that way. We would be referring to a completely different matter if we asked if our ways have been designed for us to walk them a certain way. The telos of our lives is death, of course."

I noticed how they were all staring at me, greedily drinking in every syllable that left my lips. Fools.
Julian observed the scene with serene amusement.

"And how I feel about that is nothing that's worth reflecting upon now, is it? It's not appropriate to 'feel' about facts. They're facts, and our task is to accept them. We have to fill our time according to our abilities."

The rays of the afternoon sun fell through the window and covered the room with a pale, dusky light.

Julian got up and poured himself a cup of tea.

Word count: 366

henry_winter @ 2003-12-18T08:10:00

2003-12-18T07:10:46Z

It is very quiet this early in the morning, which makes it easier to concentrate. Silence is peace.

henry_winter @ 2003-12-14T22:24:00

2003-12-14T21:26:38Z

The snow is falling within the rhythm of the iambic pentameter. I do not consider this adequate behaviour - though I am inclined to admit that it does have a certain appeal.

Introducing Henry

2003-12-14T01:02:52Z

My name is Henry Winter and I am aware of the fact most people would claim that I am dead. Of course they are wrong. Some people's minds just don't reach very far.

Between the covers of Donna Tartt's The Secret History some events in my life have been described. I worked hard, I know many things. I still doubt that men have walked on the moon.

My morals have been questioned, but, again, some people's minds don't reach very far.

I hope you'll excuse me,' he said, 'but I'm late for an appointment.'

Only A Projection

Predetermination

henry_winter @ 2003-12-18T08:10:00

henry_winter @ 2003-12-14T22:24:00

Introducing Henry