Alpine Summer

Today's class was a wrapping-up of sorts. Because we're now talking about Modernist literature, we deal with issues of man-against-society, alienation, dehumanization, etc. These are seen very clearly in what we were assigned to read: Kafka and Brecht. However, it could not be more obvious than to listen to ourselves on a daily basis. Most of us are Moderns or Post-moderns in philosophy, if we have any philosophy. We're cynics and pessimists and think the worst of humanity. Therefore, it's been extremely interesting to see ourselves in this foreign environment. This is a place where we are almost forced to believe there is good in people; if we don't know the language well, we must believe the bits we are told. Without knowing all the customs, we are not sure if we will accidentally offend someone, but we rely on the idea that they will forgive us because we don't know any better. We have to assume we are not being taken advantage of, as well as convince others that we are not out to take advantage of them. I think this is why travel often deeply changes a person. Though I'm not necessarily more optimistic or less cynical, I understand that humanity is not entirely a lost cause. This is an important step, and I think it is very significant that I come to that realization here – this is a country known for strict adherence to rules, which is known most through our education of history for the Holocaust and WWII, for Nazism and many unnecessary deaths. To walk through Dachau, to stand where innocent prisoners stood, and then be able to say there is good in this world is one of the most amazing feelings I've ever had. And THAT is the sum of my experiences.