Dear ybgirp,

I'm happy to have the discussion here on OLO unless you had another preference. It is Poirot's thread but they seem to have left us the keys and as long as we tidy up before we leave I'm sure they won't mind.

I find OLO, among other things, to be an excellent reference of ones positions in threads over the years, some of which I have enjoyed revisiting more than once. I realize this is only afforded to us through the hard work and good graces of Mr Young and while it is not a permanent record it is a great tool while it lasts.

The reason why you thought Conrad was great is that is exactly what he is. He can certainly appeal on one level to the Boys Own in us, particularly in our youth. But if you are looking at he and Swift purely for their social criticism then you have only opened half the presents. Their examination of the human condition is what elevates them well past that role. There are parts of Lord Jim that still leave me stunned. That a seaman with English as his second language could have that power is impressive.

You have questioned my use of the word 'jaundiced', quoting its three nearest synonyms, bitterness, resentment, envy and wondering how they have applied to you.

May I ask the same of your comment of Suskind;

" I understand Suskind’s aim, but don’t share his jaundiced view of human nature."

How do the synonyms apply to him? I tend to see a jaundiced view point as one looking through the yellowed eyes of a jaundice patient as opposed to someone wearing 'rose coloured glasses'.

Cont...

Cont...

The label 'strident' I had reserved for the more vociferous Christians, my claim was merely that you shared a viewpoint about the sinful nature of humanity, though your definition of that sin is of course different.

There is a sense that both have given up on the world, you because you will be dead and not having to observe the inevitable destruction you see ahead, and they because they will be raptured up before the 'end times'.

I think anyone who professes a love of literature but through their prejudices neglects the great literary offerings contained in the Bible needs to take another look.

This was a thread on the Book of Job I kicked of a couple of years ago. A touch cringe worthy for me now as I was a little too excited but I think it still holds up.

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=2912&page=0

I am to be out of range over the next two days so will look forward to resuming the conversation on my return.

ybgirp and csteele,

On the contrary, I'm still here - have been following your conversation but since you both were talking about sci-fi (which, unfortunately, I have never read much of) I decided that maybe I could learn more from just reading your conversation.

I will have another ponder of Perfume, because it does seem so rich in metaphor and speaks so loudly of the outcast or "otherness". I'll see if I can add any more to the analysis of its meaning by the time csteele returns. (if it was up to me, there would always be a literature thread going on OLO)

Isn't it great that a thread with the unfortunate title of "Smells" has managed nearly 100 comments : )

I'm still here as well - like a sponge soaking everything up.
What a great thread this has turned out to be - and so much
food for thought. From one question - "What does God smell like?"
started me pondering on "What does God look like?" and onto -
even another one - "Do the vast majority of modern mainstream -
Christians, Jews, and Muslims seek a better life on earth,
rather than seeking it in heaven?"

Then of course we have the major politico-religious divide.
We have the splintering into antagonistic sects, and even deadly
religious enemies, who make a common future for humankind and
extremely difficult project to bring to fruition.

How are we ever going to solve threats to all of humanity
(and the planet) by climate change, over population and other
serious environmental problems, if we can't leave our fellows
to safely practice their own religion?

So many questions.

I'm really enjoying being an observer too.

Lexi, the 100th 'smelly' comment ... that stinks :)

How can one smell if one does not exist?
Perhaps then, smell is in the nose of the beholder.

"Perhaps then, smell is in the nose of the beholder."

I say, bonmot, you're rather poetic on a Sunday, aren't you : )