4 ms·

I am surprised at how my contempt for the author grew as I read. The author bares her soul in this beautiful piece. I have been in similar situations where irra

I am surprised at how my contempt for the author grew as I read. The author bares her soul in this beautiful piece. I have been in similar situations where irrationality completely takes over my being; and yet, I feel almost disgusted at the lack of self-respect displayed by the author (writing to the wife!? really!?). I'm curious as to why this happens. I would expect more sympathy towards her from myself. But no. I now wonder whether this is a known psychological phenomenon.

yowlingcat 5y ago
It seems to be an uncanny valley of sorts. I experienced quite a similar feeling of revulsion -- not because the author was so different from me but rather the opposite. You want to see her pull away but instead you see a slow motion train-wreck, and the triumph of the chthonic depths of the subconscious over the generally relieving, agency imbuing aspects of rationality. To read something like this as a human being (if you can at all relate) is thoroughly rattling. How close are any of us to sinking into such "base" forms of self-flagellation? Base and yet thoroughly universal. It is very uncomfortable, especially if you are no longer in such a state but vividly remember being in the throes of it. I won't lie, it almost resembles the way others describe having recovered from drug addiction.
- copperx 5y ago
  Your insight is spot-on. I recognized myself in her tale and was thoroughly revolted by the fact. I still don't understand why I wouldn't want to associate with her, even though I have gone through similar experiences and I know that she's a bright U Chicago professor. I even googled her so I could see her photo so I could put a face to my feelings of disgust. I am not like this. That hasn't happened to me before with any writing. I'm rattled indeed.
samatman 5y ago

4 ms·

I am surprised at how my contempt for the author grew as I read. The author bares her soul in this beautiful piece. I have been in similar situations where irra

by copperx 5y ago

yowlingcat 5y ago
It seems to be an uncanny valley of sorts. I experienced quite a similar feeling of revulsion -- not because the author was so different from me but rather the opposite. You want to see her pull away but instead you see a slow motion train-wreck, and the triumph of the chthonic depths of the subconscious over the generally relieving, agency imbuing aspects of rationality. To read something like this as a human being (if you can at all relate) is thoroughly rattling. How close are any of us to sinking into such "base" forms of self-flagellation? Base and yet thoroughly universal. It is very uncomfortable, especially if you are no longer in such a state but vividly remember being in the throes of it. I won't lie, it almost resembles the way others describe having recovered from drug addiction.
- copperx 5y ago
  Your insight is spot-on. I recognized myself in her tale and was thoroughly revolted by the fact. I still don't understand why I wouldn't want to associate with her, even though I have gone through similar experiences and I know that she's a bright U Chicago professor. I even googled her so I could see her photo so I could put a face to my feelings of disgust. I am not like this. That hasn't happened to me before with any writing. I'm rattled indeed.
samatman 5y ago