Listen to Philosophical Fiction #16, “The Fall” by Albert Camus

Our Philosophical Fiction group talked about The Fall by Albert Camus in the Partially Examined Life’s Not School. Anyone can listen to the highlight below, and Citizens can get the full conversation with all the bonus discussions at PEL’s Podcast Episodes Ad Free.

Nathan Hanks, Daniel Cole, Cezary Baraniecki, Laura Davis, and Mary Ricci read the novel for a discussion on fiction. *Spoiler Alert* We summarize the plot, quote key passages, and talk about everything we read. Special thanks to Christopher Nolen for editing and music.

So I have been practicing my useful profession at Mexico City for some time. It consists with, as you know from experience, in indulging in public confession as often as possible… But let me point out that I don’t accuse myself crudely, beating my breast. No I navigate skillfully, multiplying distinctions and digressions, too—in short I adapt my words to my listener and lead him to go me one better… With all that I construct a portrait which is the image of all and of no one… When the portrait is finished, as it is this evening, I show it with great sorrow: “This, alas, is what I am!” The prosecutor’s charge is finished. But at the same time the portrait I hold out to my contemporaries becomes a mirror. –Albert Camus, The Fall

00:01 Intro and “the portrait as a mirror”

00:28 No Country for Old Men

00:37 “Party guilt”

Also, I tried to remember that false story behind the song “In the air tonight” by Phil Collins.

Listeners can become a PEL Citizen for just $5. If you have any questions about Not School, email me—that’s nathan@partiallyexaminedlife.com. Thanks for listening.

by