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Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- Wall Street Journal
Fiction: Leo Tolstoy's ‘Resurrection'
'It was perhaps inevitable that a man who did nothing by half-measures would experience something beyond the typical mid-life crisis,' Rosamund Bartlett writes in her 2010 biography of Leo Tolstoy. At the age of 49, while completing his work on 'Anna Karenina,' (serialized in 1877), Tolstoy underwent a profound spiritual crisis. He began a comprehensive study of world religions, published his own translation of the Gospels and left the Russian Orthodox Church, which he considered fatally in thrall to political power. He threw himself into wide-ranging philanthropic efforts, started dressing in peasant garb and learned to cobble shoes. By the turn of the 20th century, as he entered his 70s, Tolstoy had become the founder of a growing Christian sect based on pacifism and the abolition of privately owned land. Though much of his writing during this late stage was devoted to theology and pedagogical treatises, and though he was becoming increasingly disenchanted with fiction (his own included), Tolstoy continued his literary production. He is mostly known from this period for his stories, both the brief, cautionary parables modeled on rural folk tales, such as 'How Much Land Does a Man Need?' (1886), and dark, sophisticated works such as 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' (1886) and 'The Kreutzer Sonata' (1889). But he also wrote another novel, 'Resurrection,' which he worked on in fits and starts for nearly a decade and published in 1899. This long, significant book has, strangely, become the black sheep in the Tolstoyan oeuvre, and for many serious readers its reissue by Everyman's Library will serve both as a commemoration and a reminder of its existence. 'Resurrection' opens with a courtroom trial in Moscow, where a prostitute named Katerina Maslova is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to hard labor in Siberia. Sitting on the jury is Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhlyudov, who is shocked to realize that he knows the defendant. Years ago, when Maslova worked as a servant for some of the prince's relations, Nekhlyudov seduced and abandoned her, setting her on a downward path toward the brothel. Maslova's conviction has direct causes—both prosecutorial bias and absurd administrative errors play a part—but Nekhlyudov holds himself singularly culpable for her fate and, in horror, resolves to seek atonement. Nekhlyudov is in many ways similar to Pierre Bezukhov from 'War and Peace' (1869) and Konstantin Levin from 'Anna Karenina'—a well-to-do young landowner who enjoys the pleasures of aristocratic living while feeling secretly repulsed by its idleness and decadence. Before Maslova's conviction Nekhlyudov had been content to ignore his principles and behave in the easy, dissolute way of those around him. 'This he had done,' writes Tolstoy, 'because it was too difficult to live believing one's self; believing one's self, one had to decide every question, not in favour of one's animal I, which is always seeking for easy gratification, but in almost every case against it. Believing others, there was nothing to decide; everything had been decided already, and always in favour of the animal I and against the spiritual.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
13 Things Everyone Lies About Doing (But Literally Everyone Does Them)
We all have our little secrets and habits that we're not exactly eager to admit to. Whether it's a matter of privacy or just a tiny white lie to save face, some truths are universally fibbed about. These things are so common, yet so often denied, you'll find them relatable. Here's a peek into the everyday things everyone pretends they don't do, but totally do. 1. Pretending To Have Read That Book We've all been at a dinner party or a casual gathering where someone brings up a classic book, and you nod along like you know it well. Maybe it's "War and Peace" or "Ulysses," and while you may have started it, finishing was a different story. According to a survey conducted by the BBC, over 60% of people admitted to lying about reading certain books to appear more cultured. It seems we prefer to fake it rather than face the embarrassment of not having read a particular literary masterpiece. Next time, maybe just skim the synopsis and hope for the best. While pretending to have read a book might seem minor, it points to our inherent desire to fit in and seem knowledgeable. You might feel pressured to showcase your intellectual side, even if it means a little fib. The truth is, most people are more concerned with what's on TV than in classic literature. So, the next time you feel the urge to lie about your reading history, remember that you're not alone in this literary charade. Chances are, the person you're talking to might be doing the same. 2. Googling Basic Stuff Constantly Admit it, you Google everything from "how to boil an egg" to "what's the capital of France," even though you learned it in school. It's not that we don't remember these things—it's just easier to double-check online. This habit might seem trivial, but it's become an essential part of navigating daily life. Google has turned into our external hard drive, storing all the trivial information we don't bother to remember. With smartphones at our fingertips, it's no wonder we rely on search engines so heavily. We often feel a bit silly admitting how often we turn to Google for answers, but it's more common than you think. In an age where information is so easily accessible, it's more efficient than trying to remember everything. Plus, the fear of spreading misinformation or making a mistake can drive us to verify even the simplest details. Don't worry, you're not alone in this habit of consulting Google for every little thing. It's just part of modern living. 3. Taking A Phone Break In The Bathroom You might deny it, but using your phone in the bathroom has become an unspoken norm. It's a moment to catch up on messages, scroll through social media, or play a quick game in peace. A survey from Bathroom Habits by Verizon found that about 90% of people admit to using their phones in the bathroom. It's like our little escape from the never-ending hustle and bustle of life. The bathroom has transformed into a mini-zen zone, where we can multitask without interruption. While some might argue it's unhygienic, the practice continues unabated. It's become almost a reflex to grab your phone as you head to the restroom. People often use this time to disconnect from reality, even if just for a few minutes. There's no judgment here; it's just another testament to how integral our phones have become. Next time someone teases you about it, remember they're probably doing the same thing. 4. Saying "I'm Fine" When You're Not We all do it—someone asks how you are, and you respond with an automatic "I'm fine," even if you're far from it. It's easier than delving into the complexities of your emotions, especially in casual settings. This little lie serves as a protective shield to keep our inner turmoil private. Sometimes, it's a way to avoid burdening others with your problems. Other times, it's simply a habit born out of societal expectations to keep things light. Saying "I'm fine" when you're not is a universal coping mechanism. It allows you to maintain a semblance of control when everything feels overwhelming. It also gives you a moment to process your feelings before sharing them. But remember, it's okay to open up when you're ready. People wouldn't ask if they didn't care, and being honest can be a step towards feeling genuinely fine. 5. Blaming The Weather For Your Laziness It's too cold, too hot, too rainy, or too sunny—weather becomes the ultimate scapegoat for our lack of motivation. We all have those days when curling up indoors trumps tackling our to-do list, and blaming the weather is a convenient excuse. According to Dr. Edward Calabrese, an environmental psychologist, weather can indeed influence our mood and motivation levels. However, it's often not as significant as we make it out to be. It's just easier to say the rain dampened your plans than admit you just wanted to binge-watch a show. Using the weather as an excuse is a universal tactic to justify our procrastination. Sometimes the thought of braving the elements seems more daunting than it is, leading us to stay indoors. But let's be honest, sometimes we just want to be lazy, and that's okay. The weather is an easy cover for our occasional desire to do nothing. After all, who doesn't enjoy the comfort of a cozy day indoors once in a while? 6. Over-Exaggerating A Story It's tempting to add a little flair to your stories to make them more engaging. Maybe you caught a fish "this big," or you had the worst day ever—it's the little embellishments that make tales more interesting. Over-exaggerating is a common trick to grab attention and get a few laughs. It's not meant to deceive but to entertain and create a memorable story. But sometimes, in the excitement, the line between fact and fiction gets a little blurry. Everyone loves a good storyteller, and a bit of exaggeration is often part of that charm. It's not just about the facts but about how you present them. This tendency highlights our desire for connection and the power of a compelling narrative. It reminds us that stories are as much about the experience as they are about the details. So, while your fish might not have been that big, it's the tale that counts. 7. Judging Others' Shopping Carts As much as we hate to admit it, we've all snuck a peek at a fellow shopper's cart and made a quick judgment. It's a natural curiosity about how others live and what they buy. A study by Dr. Brian Wansink, a food psychologist, found that people often subconsciously judge others based on their grocery choices. It's a quick snapshot into their lifestyle and preferences. But remember, it's just a fleeting moment of human curiosity. This tendency doesn't make you a bad person; it's simply part of human nature to compare and contrast. Observing what others purchase can be intriguing, and sometimes it even gives you new ideas for your own shopping list. However, it's important to remember that a cart doesn't reveal the full story. Everyone has their reasons for what they buy, and it's not our place to judge. So, enjoy your peek, but keep in mind that we're all just doing the best we can. 8. Singing In The Shower There's something about the acoustics of a bathroom that transforms us into rock stars. The privacy and echo make it the perfect stage for our impromptu concerts. Whether you're belting out the latest hit or an old favorite, it's a moment of pure, unfiltered joy. It's a way to express yourself without fear of judgment, as the shower seems to wash away any inhibitions. Singing in the shower is a universal ritual of self-expression. While you might feel a bit silly if someone hears you, it's a harmless and fun way to let loose. It's one of those small acts that brighten your day, injecting a bit of fun into a mundane routine. The shower becomes a sanctuary where you can fully embrace your inner performer. So, even if you're off-key, remember that millions are joining you in their own bathroom symphonies. Keep singing; it's a testament to the simple pleasures in life. 9. Hitting Snooze Multiple Times Waking up is hard, and hitting that snooze button is an irresistible temptation. Those extra minutes feel like a gift, a brief extension of comfort before the day begins. It's a common habit, despite knowing it might leave you groggier. Hitting snooze offers a false promise of more rest, even if it's just delaying the inevitable. But in those early moments, logic takes a back seat to the allure of a little more sleep. Many people feel guilty about this habit, as it often makes mornings more rushed. Yet, it's one of those universally shared struggles we all face. Even with countless tips on how to wake up better, the snooze button remains a trusty ally. It's a small act of rebellion against the demands of a busy day. Just remember, you're not alone in this sleepy battle against the clock. 10. Using A Filter On Every Selfie We all want to look our best, and filters are an easy way to enhance our selfies. While we might not admit it, nearly everyone adds a little touch-up before posting. It's not about deception but about presenting our best selves online. Filters smooth out imperfections and make us feel more confident in sharing our photos. It's a harmless way to boost self-esteem in a world where images are constantly scrutinized. The pressure to look perfect can be intense, and filters offer a quick fix. While some may argue it perpetuates unrealistic standards, for many, it's just another tool for self-expression. There's no shame in wanting to look good, and technology simply provides the means to do so. Even knowing that everyone uses filters doesn't diminish their appeal. So go ahead and swipe through those filters; it's all part of the modern digital experience. 11. Checking The Fridge For No Reason You've probably found yourself standing in front of an open fridge, even when you're not hungry. It's a peculiar habit, almost like waiting for something new to magically appear. This behavior might seem random, but it's actually quite common. Sometimes it's out of boredom, other times it's just a mindless reflex. The fridge becomes a portal of possibilities, even if it's just the same leftovers staring back at you. Opening the fridge might seem pointless, but it highlights our relationship with food and comfort. It's not always about eating but about the ritual of checking and contemplating. In a way, it's a moment of pause, a chance to think or distract ourselves. So, the next time you find yourself peering inside for the umpteenth time, know you're part of a collective, quirky human experience. The fridge may hold no new surprises, but it's a trusty companion in our daily routines. 12. Re-Watching Old Shows For The Millionth Time There's a certain comfort in revisiting familiar TV shows, even if you know every line by heart. It's like catching up with old friends or wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. Re-watching your favorite series offers a sense of stability in an unpredictable world. It's a chance to escape to a place where you know what happens next and everything feels just right. And let's face it, some shows never get old, no matter how many times you watch them. While opting for new content might seem more exciting, the predictability of beloved shows is soothing. It's not just nostalgia but a form of self-care, a way to unwind without the emotional investment new stories demand. There's no judgment or criticism as you enjoy the same episodes again and again. You're not alone in this comforting ritual, as countless people find solace in their go-to shows. It's a simple pleasure that's universally understood. 13. Saying You Don't Care About Social Media Many claim they don't care about social media, yet they check their accounts religiously. It's become a part of daily life, offering a mix of connection, news, and entertainment. Even those who profess indifference often find themselves scrolling through feeds during downtime. Social media taps into our innate desire to connect and stay informed. Despite its flaws, it's a window into the world, bringing distant places and people closer. Admitting you care about social media might feel like conceding to its grip on modern life. But it's an undeniable part of how we communicate and share experiences today. It's okay to acknowledge its role while also recognizing the need for balance. While you might long for a simpler time, the digital age is here to stay. Embrace it, manage it wisely, and know that you're not alone in this digital dance. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
05-08-2025
- New York Times
Read All About It: True Tales of Men and Fiction
To the Editor: Re 'Attention, Men: Books Are Sexy!,' by Maureen Dowd (column, Aug. 3): Backpacking solo in 1995, reading voraciously, I met one of the loves of my life in Ubud, Bali. I was on a veranda overlooking rice paddies when Cherie, who was traveling with her mother, brazenly snatched the book I had my nose so buried in that I had not noticed her staring at me. It was a Penguin paperback, 'How Much Land Does a Man Need? And Other Stories,' by Leo Tolstoy. Cherie's eyes got wide, and I could tell she approved of my choice of authors, and my bookish interest in that collection of stories, to the exclusion of all around me. She told me that's sexy right then and there. We talked long into the night. The trip to Bali became ever better after that. Even her mother liked me. Lifetime memories. All because I was reading Tolstoy. Gowan McAvityBedford, N.Y. To the Editor: Maureen Dowd writes compellingly about men and fiction. Jane Austen of course is wonderful for men and women, and I read her voraciously because she is so good with language and thought. An added appeal is hearing the thoughts of a woman on men that we can all recognize: that our social posturing is just that, and a conscious female observer can see through it. I find myself far less interested in nonfiction. When I travel, I read a novel or a short story collection from the land I will visit rather than a travel guide — say, José Saramago before going to Portugal — because it tells me about how people there think, their worldview. It makes me feel at home and more understanding of the culture than any guidebook. Bill EslerChicago To the Editor: Maureen Dowd laments that men are reading less and reports, 'Women make up 80 percent of fiction sales.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
