being back home

makes me never want to leave! i'm going to make every single day count.

2000 words on De Quincey and orientalism

that's all which separates me from end-of-term celebrations, that is, guilt-free fun! i say guilt-free because "work ethic" really means something here. everyone apart from me seems to have insurmountable volumes of work. (no hyperbole!) with that sheer quantity of work, self discipline becomes paramount: if you told a Cam student at 5 in the afternoon that you hadn't done any work at all that day, he or she would most likely react with shock and sympathy, instead of (false) reassurances that you'll be fine, and that you'll get whatever you need done.

the hours you work are directly proportional to the esteem you receive from your peers, because academic diligence is not just a socially-programmed ideal, it is a virtue. here, that is.

okay well enough about my observations of Cam students; need to start writing. will write about all my other observations tomorrow! when i'm done!