Blog by Sumana Harihareswara, Changeset founder
Answers
Hi, reader. I wrote this in 2001 and it's now more than five years old. So it may be very out of date; the world, and I, have changed a lot since I wrote it! I'm keeping this up for historical archive purposes, but the me of today may 100% disagree with what I said then. I rarely edit posts after publishing them, but if I do, I usually leave a note in italics to mark the edit and the reason. If this post is particularly offensive or breaches someone's privacy, please contact me.
Aha. After two more Puzo sightings, I discovered that the reason why so many people are reading The Godfather these days is that Political Science 1 requires it. ??!!, if I may.
More Political Science comedy and tragedy, and job fair triumphs, and private grief, in the full story.
Boring lecture. Whenever I try to imitate my lecturer in Political Psychology this semester, I end up sounding like a Jack Nicholson (or possibly Christian Slater, since, as some comedian once noted, one impression generally degenerates into another).
The lecturer's style has begun to remind me of my father's lecture style -- long and boring, possibly punctuated by bizarre and humorous anecdotes. The subject material in today's discussion and lecture made me feel like a sophomore again (I'm a senior). So obvious and easy! Personal characteristics and environmental factors affect people's political beliefs and behaviors. Tell me something I couldn't tell you in my sleep, Jack.
From a dis to an interview. The job fair was better today than yesterday. I got an interview with RAND that went into overtime. Hurrah!
The business buildings. I may have a discussion section this semester that meets in one of the buildings in the business school. I can't stand the business school. It's so well-kept and corporate-funded and full of self-assured Future Exploiters of America. Biff and Buffy.
Faith. I have had at least one significant experience of loss recently, and now another one may be imminent. A few months ago, I doubted my faith in God for a few days. Recently, it's happened again.
I really don't want to believe in God just because I have been taught to, or because it's habit, or because the idea of God comforts me when I'm sad or scared or tired or lonely. Why do I believe, and should I? And would I live my life much differently without this belief? I already try to make my own meaning; would I stop treating people and things with respect? Where does my belief in God fit in, with regard to my system of values? This is something I'll be thinking about in the next few days, at least.
Originally published by Sumana Harihareswara at http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2001/9/6/182754/3396
