A Mortal Antipathy: first opening of the new portfolio By: Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
In his work, Oliver Wendell Holmes delves into the intricate and often misunderstood world of human nature in his thought-provoking book. While the title may imply a certain negativity, readers will find themselves pleasantly surprised by the depth and introspection offered within its pages. Holmes, known for his eloquence and philosophical musings, does not disappoint in this collection. Through a series of essays, he dissects the complex bond that exists between individuals, unveiling the contrasting emotions that intertwine to form what he terms a "mortal antipathy." Drawing upon his experiences as a physician, Holmes effortlessly weaves together medical insights with deep psychological introspection to explore the peculiar dynamics found within human relationships. One of the striking aspects of this work is the author's ability to create a connection with the reader through his candid reflections. Holmes fearlessly exposes his own vulnerabilities and heightened sensitivities, inviting readers to reflect upon their own experiences and emotions. This vulnerability creates an indelible link, fostering empathy and understanding between the author and his audience. What truly sets Holmes apart is his masterful use of language. With his characteristic wit and literary finesse, he paints vivid and evocative images, capturing the nuances of each encounter he explores. This skillful writing imbues each essay with a sense of poetry, transforming what could have been a mere clinical examination into a profound and moving exploration of the human psyche. One cannot help but be captivated by the breadth of topics covered in this collection. Holmes fearlessly tackles topics ranging from love and friendship to pride and jealousy, expertly dissecting the darkest recesses of the human soul. While it may seem ambitious, Holmes manages to find a delicate balance within each essay, expertly combining the theoretical with the personal, making his arguments relatable and leaving readers with much to ponder. If one were to critique this work, it would be the occasional tangential detours that Holmes embarks upon, which may distract some readers from the central focus of the essays. However, these diversions often provide fascinating insights and are ultimately forgivable in the grand scheme of exploring the intricacies of human emotions. In conclusion, A Mortal Antipathy is a remarkable collection that showcases Oliver Wendell Holmes' profound understanding of humanity. Through his eloquent reflections, the author unveils the intricate layers of interpersonality, inviting readers to embark on a deeply introspective journey. While his meanderings occasionally take us off course, Holmes' thoughtful and thought-provoking prose ultimately leaves a lasting impact. It is a must-read for those seeking to delve into the complexities of the human psyche and explore the hidden corners of their own mortal antipathies. First Page: A MORTAL ANTIPATHY By Oliver Wendell Holmes PREFACE. "A MORTAL ANTIPATHY" was a truly hazardous experiment. A very wise and very distinguished physician who is as much at home in literature as he is in science and the practice of medicine, wrote to me in referring to this story: "I should have been afraid of my subject." He did not explain himself, but I can easily understand that he felt the improbability of the physiological or pathological occurrence on which the story is founded to be so great that the narrative could hardly be rendered plausible. I felt the difficulty for myself as well as for my readers, and it was only by recalling for our consideration a series of extraordinary but well authenticated facts of somewhat similar character that I could hope to gain any serious attention to so strange a narrative. I need not recur to these wonderful stories. There is, however, one, not to be found on record elsewhere, to which I would especially call the reader's attention. It is that of the middle aged man, who assured me that he could never pass a tall hall clock without an indefinable terror. While an infant in arms the heavy weight of one of these tall clocks had fallen with aloud crash and produced an impression on his nervous system which he had never got over. The lasting effect of a shock received by the sense of sight or that of hearing is conceivable enough... Continue reading book >>

A Mortal Antipathy: first opening of the new portfolio By: Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)

In his work, Oliver Wendell Holmes delves into the intricate and often misunderstood world of human nature in his thought-provoking book. While the title may imply a certain negativity, readers will find themselves pleasantly surprised by the depth and introspection offered within its pages.

Holmes, known for his eloquence and philosophical musings, does not disappoint in this collection. Through a series of essays, he dissects the complex bond that exists between individuals, unveiling the contrasting emotions that intertwine to form what he terms a "mortal antipathy." Drawing upon his experiences as a physician, Holmes effortlessly weaves together medical insights with deep psychological introspection to explore the peculiar dynamics found within human relationships.

One of the striking aspects of this work is the author's ability to create a connection with the reader through his candid reflections. Holmes fearlessly exposes his own vulnerabilities and heightened sensitivities, inviting readers to reflect upon their own experiences and emotions. This vulnerability creates an indelible link, fostering empathy and understanding between the author and his audience.

What truly sets Holmes apart is his masterful use of language. With his characteristic wit and literary finesse, he paints vivid and evocative images, capturing the nuances of each encounter he explores. This skillful writing imbues each essay with a sense of poetry, transforming what could have been a mere clinical examination into a profound and moving exploration of the human psyche.

One cannot help but be captivated by the breadth of topics covered in this collection. Holmes fearlessly tackles topics ranging from love and friendship to pride and jealousy, expertly dissecting the darkest recesses of the human soul. While it may seem ambitious, Holmes manages to find a delicate balance within each essay, expertly combining the theoretical with the personal, making his arguments relatable and leaving readers with much to ponder.

If one were to critique this work, it would be the occasional tangential detours that Holmes embarks upon, which may distract some readers from the central focus of the essays. However, these diversions often provide fascinating insights and are ultimately forgivable in the grand scheme of exploring the intricacies of human emotions.

In conclusion, A Mortal Antipathy is a remarkable collection that showcases Oliver Wendell Holmes' profound understanding of humanity. Through his eloquent reflections, the author unveils the intricate layers of interpersonality, inviting readers to embark on a deeply introspective journey. While his meanderings occasionally take us off course, Holmes' thoughtful and thought-provoking prose ultimately leaves a lasting impact. It is a must-read for those seeking to delve into the complexities of the human psyche and explore the hidden corners of their own mortal antipathies.

First Page:

A MORTAL ANTIPATHY

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

PREFACE.

"A MORTAL ANTIPATHY" was a truly hazardous experiment. A very wise and very distinguished physician who is as much at home in literature as he is in science and the practice of medicine, wrote to me in referring to this story: "I should have been afraid of my subject." He did not explain himself, but I can easily understand that he felt the improbability of the physiological or pathological occurrence on which the story is founded to be so great that the narrative could hardly be rendered plausible. I felt the difficulty for myself as well as for my readers, and it was only by recalling for our consideration a series of extraordinary but well authenticated facts of somewhat similar character that I could hope to gain any serious attention to so strange a narrative.

I need not recur to these wonderful stories. There is, however, one, not to be found on record elsewhere, to which I would especially call the reader's attention. It is that of the middle aged man, who assured me that he could never pass a tall hall clock without an indefinable terror. While an infant in arms the heavy weight of one of these tall clocks had fallen with aloud crash and produced an impression on his nervous system which he had never got over.

The lasting effect of a shock received by the sense of sight or that of hearing is conceivable enough... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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