Kurt Vonnegut

[erikred]

...is still a crank and a cranky old man, but he remains a brilliant writer and observer of the human condition.

Comments

[palecur.livejournal.com]

When I read Galapagos, or possibly Bluebeard, I was overwhelmed by a mental nausea that anyone belonging to the human race could loathe the entire concept of humanity so profoundly. Not dislike a person, or a group of persons -- but harbor contempt for and hatred of the whole mess, all the way to the core. Nothing in his article today serves to change my opinion -- Vonnegut hates the species, and sees nothing in it but mud.

[erikred.livejournal.com]

Waitasec, you were bumbed out by misanthropy from Vonnegut in one of his later works? Had you never read Slaughter House 5, Cat's Cradle, or Breakfast of Champions?

Vonnegut is disappointed in the human race because he sees, with painful clairty, how amazing we could become and how short of that level we continue to be. He's disgusted with the false dichotomies and self-delusion he sees everywhere these days. Who's to blame him? Are you going to tell me that headline after headline of blatant lies answered with choruses of knee-jerk antagonism don't disgust you, too?

It sure disgusts me.

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

I think you're both crazy. The piece Erik linked to was cheap and clever, but hardly hateful. I grant you both the Wedgie of Eye-Opening.