#345 — Resilience

Published in 1942, 'The Stranger' tells the story of Meursault, a Frenchman living in Algiers, who is characterized by his emotional detachment and apathy. The novel begins with Meursault's indifferent reaction to his mother's death and follows his journey through a series of events, including a senseless murder, which leads to his trial and sentencing. Camus uses Meursault's story to illustrate his philosophy of the absurd, highlighting the lack of inherent meaning in life and the importance of accepting and living with this reality. The novel also explores the tensions between French colonialists and native Algerians, reflecting Camus's own experiences and critiques of colonialism.

In 'Talking to Strangers', Malcolm Gladwell delves into the challenges and misunderstandings that occur when we interact with people we do not know. The book explores various high-profile cases, such as the death of Sandra Bland, the deceptions of Bernie Madoff, and the interactions between Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler. Gladwell argues that our default assumption to trust strangers until proven otherwise often leads to disastrous outcomes. He discusses the 'default to truth' theory and how our perceptions of strangers can be skewed by preconceived notions and stereotypes. The book provides insights into human psychology and communication, highlighting the importance of being aware of our assumptions when dealing with strangers.

In 'Waiting to Be Heard,' Amanda Knox recounts her journey from a naive college student studying abroad in Perugia, Italy, to her wrongful conviction and imprisonment for the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher. The book covers her upbringing, her initial months in Italy, the events surrounding Kercher’s murder, and the harrowing experiences she endured during her four-year imprisonment. Knox describes the violations of her privacy, the coercive tactics used by prison officials, and the unwavering support she received from her family. The memoir also touches on her reflections on the ordeal and its impact on her life.