Reality Distortion Field After reading the entire book, this term lingers in my mind. This incredibly powerful ability can be said to be one of SNotes:
Reality Distortion Field After reading the entire book, this term lingers in my mind. This incredibly powerful ability can be said to be one of Steve Jobs’ important weapons in changing the world. Once the field is activated, black becomes white, false becomes true, and the impossible becomes possible.
In 2011, on a whim, I bought an iTouch. This small device feels like a terminal of the reality distortion field, making me turn the iTunes I once despised into software I have to use. I habitually put songs into iTunes, unconsciously stop using other music players, and start believing that only iTunes is the best. All of this is caused by this small iTouch. I have to admit, Apple products have an undeniable good UX, but also an undeniable bad experience that disgusts users. You swipe your finger twice to see the album covers lined up, feeling like the world is in your hands, but then you have to endure the inexplicable and unreasonable iTunes. What's more annoying is that they give you a sense that what you're doing is right and tasteful, as if using Apple products makes you superior. Damn, reality distortion field.
Crying Jobs loves to cry, very much. He might cry over a dispute about a badge number, cry when someone points out his mistakes, cry to change someone's habits, or cry when someone doesn't listen to him. But I think, because he loves to cry, he is quite endearing.
Perfectionism OCD For a minor detail, he can overturn a year's worth of hard work by the team. If he feels a bit dissatisfied, he shouts, "This is crap," and 2 months of hard work by a staff member goes down the drain. For the elegance of the product, the reality distortion field is fully activated, demanding others to do seemingly impossible tasks. Miraculously, they actually achieve it.
Jobs has perfectionism OCD about everything. He has been a vegetarian for years, and even in his later years, he was picky about food (though it might be because he couldn't eat). Whether it's home decoration, company layout, product design, cars, planes, yachts, or employee personalities, he wouldn't be satisfied without rearranging them. This tendency even extends to users, as mentioned in the first point.
Innovation? Copying? People say Apple is a great innovation company, but I think that's the biggest BULLSHIT! None of Apple's core products are original. The operating system was modeled after Xerox, then copied by Microsoft, and Jobs cursed Bill Gates for decades. Isn't this the pot calling the kettle black?
The iPod is just a high-capacity MP3 player. When it was released, domestic knockoff MP3 players were already selling for 50 each. When the iPhone came out, I had no desire to buy it because China knockoff touchscreen phones were already everywhere. But maybe this is Apple's brilliance. They take a half-mature product or idea, integrate and perfect it, provide an extremely good UX, and break through in a seemingly mature market, completely changing people's consumption habits through the reality distortion field.
But there's also a Chinese company doing the same thing, and that's QQ. It's strange why Jobs’ company feels great, while Tencent feels like crap and brain-dead. Honestly, I never say I use QQ Mail, never say I like playing QQ games, and even feel embarrassed to tell others my QQ number. I registered for QQ Music back then just for the convenience of downloading music for my iTouch. But speaking of QQ's usability, it's actually not bad. QQ's user experience surpasses MSN by miles and directly kills Skype. QQ Music is very convenient for downloading songs, and QQ games are comfortable to use. It's really not bad. The problem is that QQ is a very unethical company, but compared to Apple, Apple isn't much more ethical when you really think about it now. The second issue is that QQ has poor taste.
Taste The book mentions mutual evaluations between Jobs and Gates. Gates said Jobs didn't understand technology, and Jobs said Gates had no taste. Jobs always claimed his products were the perfect combination of humanities and technology, and Gates expressed his wish to have Jobs' taste. I think Gates was envious and jealous. Maybe taste is the dividing line between a great company or product and crap. When people see a product, they might genuinely feel it has something to say. Apple's products say, "Use me, and you represent taste." QQ says, "I'm so easy to use, it's okay to be brain-dead, and by the way, hand over your money...
Simplicity Jobs believed in Zen, which loves simplicity. He was deeply influenced by Bauhaus. He firmly believed that if a product wasn't simple enough, it was crap. But I also think Apple gave up too much for simplicity. Sometimes you want a feature, but you can hear Apple's product saying, "You really don't need it..." Do you know how frustrating that feels?
How the Reality Distortion Field Was Forged Young Jobs was restless, a vegetarian, with a brain circuit completely different from normal people. He was overly sensitive about being abandoned but also liked to abandon others. He was a hippie, liked to take drugs and didn't regret it, liked to meditate, and thought people were either geniuses or idiots. Maybe only American culture can tolerate such a genius, though even Americans around him often found him unbearable. If Jobs came to Asia with this attitude, he would have been eliminated long ago. Even in other countries like China, Japan or Europe, he would either be eliminated or marginalised.
Switch In the last paragraph of the book, Jobs talks about death. He says, "But on the other hand, maybe it's like a switch, click! And you're gone." Jobs paused and calmly said, "Maybe that's why I never liked putting switches on Apple products."
Reading this, I don't know why, but I felt very moved. I looked at my iPhone and really couldn't find a switch. This sentence kept echoing in my mind......more
It took me 3 months, on and off, to finish reading this book. I actually considered giving up many times. The reason I couldn't continue was that the It took me 3 months, on and off, to finish reading this book. I actually considered giving up many times. The reason I couldn't continue was that the content wasn't that appealing to me: Annie Ernaux, one-night stand with a Soviet diplomat stationed in Paris, developed into a casual sexual relationship, and the entire diary is a record of their year-long relationship.
What does she record? She records their pleasurable sexual experiences, her jealousy of the diplomat's wife as his mistress, her countless hopeless waits for his calls, and her repeated fears of their relationship ending.
What made me uncomfortable was that I couldn't understand her intense feelings for this Soviet lover. Apart from his body, he had no personal charm. He was just an empty-headed Soviet who opposed homosexuality, loved luxury goods, and admired Stalin. Why would she allow herself to be so humble in this relationship?
A few days ago, when I was about to give up on the remaining half of the book, I went to YouTube to find out why so many people were reading it. Had I missed something?
Listening to Ernaux’s interview when the book was first published, she candidly admitted that initially, she and the Soviet lover only had a physical connection, and only later did she get to know him as a person. However, she also understood that his thoughts and behaviors were understandable in the context of Soviet society at that time. Moreover, a large part of her attachment to him came from her fascination with Soviet socialism, and he, as a Soviet, represented that to her.
After watching the interview, I finished the remaining half of the book in a day. In fact, it's less about her being obsessed with this diplomat and more about her being obsessed with her own passion and desire, as she herself mentioned in the book. The constant waiting for calls, the repeated disappointments, the physical pleasures, the fear of separation - she records her self-loss in a very candid manner. But she didn't lose herself for this man; she lost herself for her passion. And as she herself said, passion and writing guided her life. So this diary describes her losing herself in passion and losing herself in writing, a fusion of two kinds of loss.
To me, it’s worth noting that this diary, filled with erotic descriptions, was written by Ernaux when she was 48, and her Soviet lover was 13 years younger. A woman in her late forties describing her sexual desire and her fascination with a young body is in itself a challenge to the cultural cliché of "women as sexual objects and reproductive tools." Are older women not entitled to sex? Do women who have lost their reproductive function no longer need sex?
Women are the subjects of their own sexuality, and female writers can write about their sexual experiences. Even in the book, Ernaux repeatedly mentions her fear of aging, because aging, to her, means losing the possibility of sex, meaning passively leaving men, which shows how the prejudice against female aging arouses her anxiety about the changes in her body.
Although the work primarily records her relationship with her Soviet lover, it also interweaves other content, such as her travel experiences in Eastern Europe and Italy, her views on literary creation and the literary circle, her admiration for Beauvoir, and her dreams. Some of her feelings and insights are very appealing to me, especially when they provide a breath of fresh air amidst the rather gloomy passion and desire written throughout the book.
To be objective, this is a wrong book for me.I can understand Ernaux, but I hardly empathise.
This book is the first volume of Obama’s memoirs, reflecting on his 8 years in the White House. It focuses on significant events during his first termThis book is the first volume of Obama’s memoirs, reflecting on his 8 years in the White House. It focuses on significant events during his first term, such as addressing the global financial crisis, withdrawing troops from Iraq, increasing troops in Afghanistan, attending G20 summits, supporting NATO expansion and reform, promoting US-Russia nuclear arms control negotiations, handling the Iran nuclear issue, combating Somali pirates, shaping US-Turkey relations, halting US military torture at Guantanamo Bay, pushing for healthcare reform, planning the "Pivot to Asia" strategy, addressing climate change, dealing with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and killing Osama bin Laden. It also recalls important figures he interacted with, such as Brown, Merkel, Sarkozy, Erdogan, Medvedev, Putin, Singh, Netanyahu, and Mubarak.
The book provides a perspective on the political, economic, and cultural background of the Obama administration's decisions, helping readers recall that period in history.
1. Obama firmly believes that diplomacy can solve most international issues, viewing war as a last resort. He supports multilateralism and globalization, opposes racial discrimination, and advocates for class equality. However, these elements alone weren't enough to make him the first Black president in US history. His election was due to his unique ability to inspire, especially among young people and people of color. His worldview and values are evident throughout the book, highlighting the theme of hoping the new generation of Americans will take on the historical responsibility of rebuilding the country.
2. In the preface, Obama clearly expresses his dislike and resistance towards Trump. At the end of the book, he reviews how he dealt with Trump's attacks based on birtherism, stating that Trump's actions nearly brought the US democratic system to the brink of collapse over the past four years. It's intriguing to see a former president release his memoirs at a time when the current president has lost the election and is preparing for a power transition, with extensive criticism of the current president. This reflects Obama regret over his political legacy being trampled and indirectly supports his ally and old friend Biden. Biden frequently appears in the book, adding a nostalgic touch.
3. The Biden team is gradually taking shape, with many members having worked with Biden in the Obama administration. This book offers a glimpse into their governing philosophy, especially their foreign policy direction and core issue stances. The return of the establishment is a good thing, but their power shouldn't be underestimated. Whether Biden can continue the establishment's dream of Pax Americana remains to be seen. Hopefully, the Biden administration will abandon Cold War thinking, promote healthy and stable US-China relations, benefit both peoples, and meet global expectations.
4. Obama is an idealist.
5. NATO expansion and reform, US-Russia nuclear arms control negotiations, the Iran and North Korea nuclear issues, and US-China and US-Russia relations were my main motivations for reading this book. It provides valuable background knowledge on US-Russia relations and the Iran nuclear issue, with relatively objective insights into underlying US-China relations, though it touches too lightly on other topics.
6. Western politicians generally write 2 types of books after leaving office: memoirs about their years in power, often lengthy and detailed, and evidence-based academic books, where the author's solid academic background and political experience offer enlightening perspectives and conclusions. This year, I've read 3 political memoirs by Western politicians, and this one is undoubtedly the most exciting. I look forward to the second volume and hope Theresa May's book will be published soon.
Let's end with a quote from Obama: ”… how it was only by hitching my wagon to something larger than myself that I was ultimately able to locate a community and purpose for my life." This summarizes his life, not just his political years.
I recommend this book to those interested in the key points of the Obama administration, US foreign policy strategy, nuclear non-proliferation, the early stages of de-globalization, combating extremism, and the US response to emerging powers.
In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides tells the true, grand, and tragic story of a 19th-century American polar expedition.
Post-Civil War America, briIn the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides tells the true, grand, and tragic story of a 19th-century American polar expedition.
Post-Civil War America, brimming with youthful vigor, yearned for adventures as grand as the war itself. With the Industrial Revolution in full swing, a generation of American scientists like Bell and Edison emerged, eager to put their inventions to the test in far-flung expeditions.
While Nordic and British naval fleets had traditionally dominated exploration of the New World, the passing of legendary explorers like Cook and Franklin shifted global expectations towards the burgeoning nation of America.
At 28, naval Lieutenant George De Long, captivated by the Arctic after rescuing the stranded Polaris expedition, was consumed by a desire to plant the American flag at the North Pole.
When the USS Jeanette departed from Le Havre, France, Captain DeLong and his crew of 32, comprised of the era's most skilled individuals, set sail with 3 years' worth of supplies, state-of-the-art equipment, and the hopes of a nation. Their destination: the unknown expanse of the Arctic, a frozen kingdom.
While modern technology allows us to easily map the Arctic, a century ago, even the most skilled geographers and navigators could only rely on perilous expeditions to uncover the secrets of the polar regions. DeLong's era was marked by the belief in a navigable polar sea, free of ice. However, the Jeanette became trapped in the ice and was carried away by polar storms, proving these theories wrong.
For 4 years, De Long and his crew endured unimaginable hardships, never giving up hope of returning to home. Even after abandoning the Jeanette and trekking across vast ice sheets, they remained united, their spirits unbroken. Their detailed journals serve as a testament to their courage and perseverance.
I would say this is a meticulously researched work, based on authentic letters and scientific records. It paints a vivid picture of this epic expedition, capturing both its triumphs and tragedies.
Comparing a modern satellite image of the Lena River Delta with the challenges faced by De Long and his crew is mind-boggling. Without accurate maps, reliable navigation, or any means of resupply, they traversed thousands of miles in temperatures as low as -67 degrees Celsius.
Human history advances not only through the inventions of geniuses but also through the sacrifices of brave explorers. Even in the face of insurmountable odds, these pioneers provided invaluable data for future generations.
Today, monuments in Russia's Siberian region commemorate the Jeanette expedition, and various Arctic features are named after De Long, Bennett, and Melville. And this book was named one of Amazon's best books in 2014.
In the heart of Emma De Long, her husband remained the greatest explorer, deserving of everlasting admiration.
As I listen to Amazing Grace, I find myself filled with deep respect for these courageous explorers, the author, Sides who brought their story to life, and the talented translator who ensured its fidelity.
I'm absolutely captivated by this novel. It's a masterpiece. Philbrick’s skill is evident in crafting this harrowing tale of a whaling ship disaster, I'm absolutely captivated by this novel. It's a masterpiece. Philbrick’s skill is evident in crafting this harrowing tale of a whaling ship disaster, where survivors are forced to endure 89 days adrift in a small boat, crossing 4,500 miles of ocean, and ultimately resorting to cannibalism to stay alive.
It's an incredibly challenging task.
Typically, writing about disasters presents two major challenges: first, defining a clear theme, and second, mitigating the horror of human atrocities.
Because disasters rarely have a positive connotation, making it difficult to establish a clear theme. Whether it's Pompeii, the Titanic, the Munich air disaster, or 9/11, these events are often associated with tragedy, pain, and death, making it challenging to extract a positive message. While in the face of disaster, human nature, often at its most primal, is laid bare.
With whaling being a cornerstone of the American economy at the time, the sinking of the Essex could have served as a backdrop for a grand narrative exploring themes of industry, national identity, or even the progress of time.
In the Heart of the Sea eschews this broad historical context. Instead, it delves deep into the specific setting of the Essex, expanding on the history and decline of Nantucket, the whaling island. While details about the island's women, for instance, might seem tangential to the ship's disaster, they contribute to a richer tapestry and highlight the broader cultural and historical context. The book's conclusion, which focuses on Nantucket's decline, further emphasizes this connection.
Through these seemingly tangential details, Philbrick crafts Nantucket into a metaphorical "whaling ship" floating within the larger narrative of American whaling history.
In this way, the narrative creates a parallel between the doomed whaling ship Essex and the historical whaling community of Nantucket. Both are "whaling vessels" in a sense, and their stories resonate together like a haunting duet. The shipwreck becomes a catalyst, leading us to ponder the timeless themes of rise and fall. As the Essex sinks beneath the waves and Nantucket declines, the final lines of the book suggest that the only enduring remnants of the island's whaling history are the bones of the whales. Contemplating these bones, much like contemplating the sunken ships, is a somber and reflective experience.
Now, let's address the second challenge.
The survivors of the Essex were forced to resort to cannibalism.
To mitigate the horror of cannibalism, Philbrick emphasizes the extreme desperation of the survivors, suggesting they were driven to such acts out of necessity. Additionally, he highlights their humanity before the disaster, detailing their lives and aspirations.
However, it's important to acknowledge that cannibalism, even in the face of extreme circumstances, is a morally reprehensible act. The ongoing debate about whether members of Franklin's Arctic expedition resorted to cannibalism underscores the difficulty of justifying such actions.
Yet, Philbrick successfully navigates this challenge.
His primary approach is to extend the survivors' life stories beyond the immediate disaster. By following the characters throughout their lives, revealing their struggles with guilt and trauma, he allows me to empathize with their plight. The passage of time underscores the sincerity of their remorse, making it easier me to forgive their actions.
Additionally, he begins the narrative by depicting the departure of the whaling ship as a fraught and anxiety-ridden experience. By emphasizing the hardships from the outset, I am immediately drawn to sympathize with the characters and more easily understand their subsequent actions. These subtle yet effective narrative choices almost perfectly address the challenges of writing about disaster, resulting in a compelling and engaging story that showcases his skill.
A well-crafted story requires a consistent point of view that guides the narrative and shapes the reader's understanding of the events. By starting with Nickerson, Philbrick establishes a civilian perspective that informs the entire narrative, providing an unfiltered view of the events. This perspective allows for a detailed exploration of both the island and the sea, ultimately transforming Nantucket into a metaphorical "whaling ship" within the broader context of American whaling history.
This approach works well when describing the island's history and current state. However, introducing the island's customs becomes more challenging when shifting perspectives. Since Chase is primarily focused on becoming captain, using his perspective would require omitting many details that he wouldn't be aware of. Maintaining the same level of detail as Nickerson's perspective would feel jarring, and neglecting the island's customs would undermine the book's dual narrative structure and impact the overall plot.
To ensure the perspective and tone remain consistent throughout, Philbrick carefully consider the point of view and attitude from the beginning, ensuring that they serve the plot and theme. He achieves this by starting with the civilian perspective of Nickerson and concluding with the haunting image of whale bones, creating a powerful contrast that encapsulates the tragedy of the event. The choice to begin with Nickerson, again, is a testament to his skill.
Another noteworthy technique employed is the masterful use of conflict, suspense, and contradictions. In today's publishing landscape, non-fiction faces its biggest competition from visual media. To stand out, non-fiction works must incorporate more dramatic elements, such as plot twists, contradictions, and conflicts.
In this novel, these elements are abundant. Even from the beginning, the narrative is filled with twists and turns. For instance, the Essex initially seems unremarkable, but to young Nickerson, it represents a chance at a new life. Later, Philbrick juxtaposes the seemingly harmonious community on Nantucket with Nickerson's outsider perspective. And once at sea, the crew faces numerous conflicts with nature, dwindling resources, and their own changing selves.
To craft a non-fiction work with the same level of engagement as a television series, the author must delve deep into the subject matter, paying close attention to detail. This novel in this regard, providing in-depth descriptions of the physiological effects of starvation, for example.
Finally, I must criticize the film adaptation. In my opinion, it was a poor adaptation. One particularly egregious scene shows the survivors, driven to cannibalism, hesitating to harm a whale. This is a contrived and unrealistic portrayal of their desperation.
The film's failure primarily lies in its decision to focus on Chase as the main protagonist. To provide a satisfying narrative arc for a character who has committed cannibalism, the film introduces a capitalist conspiracy as the primary antagonist. This shift in focus undermines the original story and feels forced.
This book delves into the complexities of Jewish, Israeli, and Middle Eastern affairs. I've divided it into 3 sections for a clearer understanding.
ParThis book delves into the complexities of Jewish, Israeli, and Middle Eastern affairs. I've divided it into 3 sections for a clearer understanding.
Part 1: The first 13 days:
The initial focus is on what was discussed and how during the 1st 13 days of the summit. The broader context is established: since the 1948 UN partition plan, Israel and its Arab neighbors had been engaged in 4 wars. Despite Israel's overall military superiority, the 4th Arab-Israeli War had left Israel vulnerable, and Begin faced significant domestic pressure. Carter, too, was under strain due to the US's domestic economic situation and the need for a foreign policy victory to secure reelection.
The 3 main players were: Begin, the Israeli Prime Minister; Carter, the US President; and Sadat, the Egyptian President. While Begin and Carter's presence was expected, Sadat's participation as a representative of the entire Arab world was more tenuous, as not all Arab nations, particularly Jordan and Palestine, recognized his authority.
The primary issues discussed were:
1. The return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. 2. The status of the West Bank. 3. The international status of Jerusalem.
Ultimately, Begin conceded on the first issue, while Sadat made concessions on the latter two, although he merely agreed to postpone a decision rather than making concrete commitments.
The author highlights the personal interactions between the leaders, such as conversations about their experiences in prison, and the symbolic gestures like Carter's tour of memorials, demonstrating that even high-level politicians are human.
Part 2: The leaders
This section delves into the personalities of Carter, Sadat, and Begin. Carter, a Southern idealist, underestimated the complexities of the Middle East conflict. However, he played a crucial role in the negotiations, evolving from a mere facilitator to a key architect of the peace agreement. Sadat, the first Arab leader to recognize Israel, faced significant domestic opposition for his peace initiative. Begin, a staunch nationalist, often clashed with Sadat but was ultimately persuaded to make concessions by his more moderate advisors.
Part 3: The aftermath
Sadat and Begin were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts. However, Carter was not, despite his pivotal role in the negotiations. Sadat was assassinated by Islamic extremists, and Begin faced increasing opposition from hardliners within Israel. Both leaders paid a high price for their pursuit of peace.
To be honest, I didn't gain much from this book. It's a history lesson, and while I'm interested in history, it's hard to see the point when conflicts are still happening today....more
As someone who has no problem eating meat, the title of this book immediately attracted me. It discusses where the animals we eat come from, what theiAs someone who has no problem eating meat, the title of this book immediately attracted me. It discusses where the animals we eat come from, what their living conditions are like, and how their breeding and production affect the environment.
The term "animal welfare" is quite familiar to me. In the field of biology, this is a matter of great importance, especially regarding the welfare of laboratory animals. However, I had never considered that the animals we consume also face animal welfare issues. In industrialized farms, when an animal's birth is solely to satisfy human appetites, the term "animal welfare" becomes distant. These farm - raised animals are entirely different from wild animals; they have completely evolved into human food, or you could say they have lost the ability to survive in the wild.
In this context, the growth conditions and living environment of these animals are closely related to us. Are the increasing number of diseases in modern society related to our food? When we modify animals' genes to make them taste better, are those genes really harmless to humans? When we artificially alter the animals' growth environment and cycle, could their abnormal hormone secretion negatively affect humans? How should we deal with the large amounts of greenhouse gases produced by industrial farms? These questions remain unanswered. Businessmen might go to any lengths for profit, and as consumers, we are entirely unaware of the operating environment of industrial farms. This book reveals those secrets to us in detail.
The viewpoints presented in this book are indeed novel and touch on issues I had never considered, but I do not entirely agree with Foer. As the human population grows, the demand for food increases, and nature cannot provide such vast quantities. At this point, humans began to domesticate and modify animals. Predation is an inherent trait in animals, and large - scale farming of animals for food is normal. I believe the issue we should consider is not whether to become vegetarians but how to regulate industrial farms to make their production more reasonable, the living conditions of animals more suitable, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That is the core issue.
This book feels like an attempt to persuade people to become vegetarians from another angle, which I cannot accept. Personally, I have no opinion on vegetarians, nor do I persuade them to adopt a balanced diet.
It's a matter of personal choice.
Therefore, I believe vegetarians do not need to stand on a moral high ground to criticize omnivores or carnivores. Human evolution has reached this level, and solely eating vegetables is not feasible; being omnivorous is a crucial part of human evolution, IN MY OPINION.
The overall theme is quite heavy. Kata Beaton uses her personal experiences to depict the dehumanization of people in the seemingly promising environmThe overall theme is quite heavy. Kata Beaton uses her personal experiences to depict the dehumanization of people in the seemingly promising environment of the oil industry. The objectification of women by men reaches an extreme, where they fantasize about every woman they see, discuss extremely vulgar topics in front of them, and even say offensive things directly to them.
In the final part of the comic, 2 women who work in the oil industry encounter a former male colleague in the city. His treatment of them remains the same as it was in the oil fields - disrespectful and full of derogatory remarks. The women do not argue back; they exchange a few casual words and part ways. Their female companion is shocked, asking, "You actually allow him to talk to you like that?" Both women respond with awkward smiles.
From the afterword, it is clear that Keaton is not only discussing the helplessness and vulnerability of women in the oil industry but also the impact of this never-ending source of money on men. It seems that this environment causes men to passively abuse women, making them victims of the larger system. As a man, I neither like nor support this argument.
Much of the book focuses on Kate's daily life in various work settings. Each new place brings a new batch of male colleagues, but the harassment remains the same. To repay her student loans, she has no choice but to exchange her mental and physical health for money in this dehumanizing environment. She even later introduces her sister to work there for the same reason.
When her sister arrives, she notices that Kate is very depressed. As a reader, I know what she has been through and should understand her state better than her sister. However, this is not the case. Her sister says Kate has lost interest in everything and doesn't respond to conversations, but I didn't feel this at all. The incident came suddenly, but after turning the page, Kate acts as if nothing happened, bantering with her coworkers as usual. I thought she was fine until her sister's question revealed her deep pain. Despite being labeled as a tough nut - a difficult and intimidating figure - by the men, she is still suffocating under their control. She dares not call for help because doing so would only bring slut-shaming and endless speculation. She is at the mercy of others.
Kate's conversation with her sister leaves one feeling deeply powerless. Women in the mire, across the world and throughout history, are countless. The upper class oppresses the lower class, and the lower class oppresses women.
Therefore, I personally find the comic's execution quite average. There are many words, but the emotions are not conveyed effectively. I understand that Keaton does not want to dwell on suffering, but expressing important emotions entirely through dialogue seems to waste the comic's potential. The book is filled with large blocks of text, either idle chatter or work discussions, making one wonder what it is trying to convey.
However, because it is based on real events, it is worth writing, recording, and remembering. If the overall pacing were better arranged, with some repetitive work content removed and more of Keaton’s expression included, it would feel more impactful.
Just as a cold can strike multiple times, so too can depression. I know each episode can be excruciatingly diffiTo all my friends battling depression:
Just as a cold can strike multiple times, so too can depression. I know each episode can be excruciatingly difficult, but I believe it can bring about new beginnings. I hope you can create a personal guide to help you navigate these challenging times.
Please forgive yourself for feeling weak, for sleeping excessively, for crying. It's OK. As long as you didn't give up, as long as you chose life, you've already done something incredible. Your primary goal right now is simply to keep going, even if it's for just one person or one thing.
Please rescue yourself. Read, write, go for walks, soak up the sun, try new things, and exercise. Hold onto any little thing that brings you joy, anything that can boost your dopamine and serotonin levels. Avoid sad things. Seek out positivity and uplifting content to boost your confidence. Your inner child is calling out for attention. It needs you to comfort it. Don't hesitate to spend a little on self-care. It's an investment in your healing. And please, stick to your medication and keep a journal.
Gradually start taking on small tasks without putting too much pressure on yourself. Stop dwelling on abstract concepts like the meaning of life or love. Focus on tangible things, like folding laundry or cleaning. Slowly, you'll start to feel a sense of fulfillment and purpose, reducing feelings of guilt.
Start with small, consistent habits. Believe in the power of persistence. Discover how cool you are. Life isn't just about achieving a certain number of goals. It's about becoming the kind of person you want to be. Actions are the means to that end, testing us and helping us grow.
Looking back, you'll realize you've weathered many storms. The pain you've experienced has been real, but you've endured it. In the depths of despair, you've gained clarity and learned to appreciate the people who support you. Imagine a future where you're alone and need to rely solely on yourself. You'll want to be strong and self-sufficient.
Remember, even if you want to die, you still want to eat tteokbokki. This is the truth of our complex emotions....more