Chris Weimer

This is a known work, with a known author, and all its sources are known as well. It's only a short paragraph, meaning that you ought to be able to work your magic instantly. The only context you'll get is that it was in a dialogue. No hints for a while, but if you work as a team and present something, I may just possibly adduce some more context. Have fun!

But I disagree with you. I'm not great. I'm a fraud. I'm a phony. I've put up a facade. I've a weak will, but I'm stubborn to death. I'm overly critical, even of myself, a perfectionist who'll never become perfect. I'm overly optimistic, yet at the same time a pessimist to the core. What hope do I have in this world? But I live yet. And what of faith? Have I none, but what you may think to be god I may differ on. And of love? Love has pained me before; it's a trial, a terrible calamity, a curse. It's a blessing as well, a boon to life, the reward if cultivated right. It heals. That's love. And while I may not believe what you believe what you believe, I believe still. And these tears I shed every night contain some glimmer of hope, that even though I know that to die is to gain, perhaps I can still live longer before I go. For what? In the end, it'll all be gone, but not before my children can see the light, assuming I have children at all. And perhaps, just perhaps I may be exactly what I wish to be, the best in my field, and having learned all that I'm content with knowing, though I learn more still. For one day I'll stop being so stubborn, and let the world pass me by while I remain steadfast in peace. So that's the real me, the true me, the honest me. What does it mean to be great? Do we agree?

spin

Chris, when you go on a fishing expedition, you are supposed to take bait with you.

Chris Weimer

Come on, spin, I expect something better from you.

RED DAVE

Dosteyevski, Notes From the Underground?

[EDIT TO ADD]

No. I checked it.

RED DAVE

spin

I usually recommend kneecapping for such poor didacticism.

Chris Weimer

Would you care to comment on the actual matter or will you continually just sit and shit?

Ted Hoffman

Just say no to drugs

Chris Weimer

It's funny that a forum dedicated to literary criticism, I've got more intelligent responses in the Lounge. Props to Red Dave for trying.

Toto

Lounge thread

Ecrasez L'infame

I was going to suggest the Karamazovs. It has that kind of orthodox feel to it. But if it's supposed to be Jesus talking... in a modern novel... and the speculation that he might have children... The Last Temptation?

An easter treasure humt, goody.