Present Past Past Present

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Part diary, part autobiography, part self-analysis and commentary, this revealing memoir by the playwright of the Absurd is an expression of the writer's search for the wellsprings and justifications of his existence. Diary jottings mingle with searing memories of his authoritarian father, metaphysical musings with thoughts on anti-Semitism, his wartime experiences, Soviet death camps, and the sham of bourgeois "revolutionaries". There is also the occasional light-hearted fantasy, played out with children who might be his own; the germ of the idea for "Rhinoceros" and various passages of self-probing.

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 1,1968

About the author

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Eugène Ionesco, born Eugen Ionescu, was a Romanian playwright and dramatist; one of the foremost playwrights of the Theatre of the Absurd. Beyond ridiculing the most banal situations, Ionesco's plays depict in a tangible way the solitude and insignificance of human existence.

Excerpted from Wikipedia.


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July 15,2025
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A first encounter with Ionesco's essayistic/memoiristic work is more than impressive. The author of "The Chairs" reveals himself in the most intimate spiritual aspects. The melancholy of a mistreated childhood combines with the great sadness towards a present in times of political uncertainty; the systematization of fundamental questions nourishes the tragedy of the man who feels his being hit by the transparent walls of the metaphysical search. ("I have always tried to believe in God. I am not naïve enough, I am not subtle enough. A certain metaphysical insufficiency. But I have not completely cut the ties to God.")

The original and effervescent perspective that he leaves us on the individual being as part of a cultural-social whole does not fail to impress, and what crowns the romanticism of these pages is the spontaneity with which his moments of metaphysical ecstasy are related, moments when he has them all. ("There are sometimes, in April, clear mornings, of a light, very fragile grace. Then it seems that the universe has just been born, that it has just come out of the original water, without borders, that it is still wet, that it preserves something of the transparency of the lakes. The world is only light and water.")

PS: Memories, once again, are a particularly attractive theme addressed: "Soon I will no longer have memories. But it is not the memories or rather the continuous consciousness of memories that constitute and maintain my personal identity, my consciousness. I remain the same, with the same ideas, with the same feelings, with the same reactions. I am the one who speaks. It is as if I were to die several times. As if I were to be put in a tomb for decades or for centuries. Then, it is as if I were to be taken out intact. It is as if from century to century the same questions were asked of me and I gave the same answers. The identity of my reactions is like a kind of proof, like a kind of immortality of my spirit."
July 15,2025
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What begins as a prismatic memoir

gradually transforms into an examination of the self under the sway of fascism, with a hint of anti-Semitism,

and then broadens to encompass the very essence of culture, society, religion, and philosophy.

The ever-expanding world view is periodically disrupted by children's stories about a young girl whose father has a warped sense of humor.

Finally, the whole thing culminates in a few reflections on memory.

Appropriate for a memoir. Oh, the roots of "Rhinocerous" are also present.

After all, this is Ionesco. And excellent Ionesco at that.

His work delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the complex and often disturbing aspects of our existence.

The combination of memoir, social commentary, and philosophical musings makes for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Whether you are a fan of Ionesco or simply interested in exploring the nature of the self and society, this piece is sure to leave a lasting impression.
July 15,2025
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**"The Serious Master of Absurdity"**

The concept of a "serious master of absurdity" might seem paradoxical at first glance. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a fascinating and complex figure.



This individual is not one to simply engage in random or senseless acts of absurdity. Instead, they approach it with a deep sense of purpose and intention.



They have the ability to see the hidden absurdities in the world around us, those that often go unnoticed by others. Through their work, whether it be in art, literature, or performance, they bring these absurdities to the forefront, challenging our perceptions and making us question the status quo.



The serious master of absurdity is a master of subversion, using humor and irony to undermine traditional values and beliefs. They are not afraid to push the boundaries and explore the limits of what is considered acceptable.



In a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable, the serious master of absurdity offers a unique perspective and a way to make sense of the nonsensical. Their work can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for the absurd.

July 15,2025
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The past and the present are two distinct yet interconnected aspects of our lives. The past is filled with memories, experiences, and events that have shaped who we are today. It is a repository of lessons learned and mistakes made. On the other hand, the present is the here and now, the moment in which we are living and making decisions. It is a time of action and opportunity.

The relationship between the past and the present is complex. Our past experiences can influence our present behavior and decisions. For example, if we have had a negative experience in the past, we may be more cautious or hesitant in the present. However, the present also has the power to change the past. By making different choices and taking new actions, we can rewrite our history and create a new future.

In conclusion, the past and the present are both important and should be respected. We should learn from our past mistakes and use our present opportunities to create a better future.

https://silviureut.ro/2016/05/03/prez...
July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
July 15,2025
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Caut în amintire primele imagini ale tatei. I see dark colors. I think I was two years old. I am in the train. My mother is beside me. She has a big bag. My father is in front of me, beside the window. I don't see his face, I see his shoulders, I see his coat.


Suddenly, the tunnel.


One day, when my daughter was two years old - we lived on Claude-Terrasse Street - I walked along the long corridor of the house until the end to get to Regine's room, who was ill and whom my daughter loved very much. Regine was in bed. I was holding my daughter in my arms. We were talking to Regine, who was lying down, from the door frame. We wished her a light sleep. Then, before leaving, I turned off the light. Regine, along with the room, disappears into the darkness. My daughter starts to scream terrified, as if Regine, the bed, the furniture in the room had collapsed into nothingness.


Undoubtedly, shortly after the scene in the train: I think I can locate the memory in Paris, or in a nearby peripheral neighborhood, more likely in a nearby peripheral neighborhood.


It was a summer night. A sky full of stars.


H, who was tall, is walking holding me in his arms. There are several people around us. My father is talking to them. My mother is also present, I know this, but I don't see her. In my memory, I don't see his figure either. I look over his shoulder. We walk for a long time, it seems to me, for a long time, we pass along a fence.


The sky full of stars.


A dark room. The magic lantern. Someone (my father or mother) sits me alone on a small stool, closer to the screen. Behind me, big people. The owner of the house, a man with a big black beard, changes the images. Are there other small children beside me, on other stools? I think so. I can see very well one of the projected images: a boy is sitting at a table on which there is a big cat, with its tail in the air and all its fur tousled. The image is removed. I shout: "More!..." A certain astonishment around me. Was it the first word I pronounced?

July 15,2025
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This is an exceptional journal.

I really regret that I didn't study and read it earlier.

It contains a wealth of valuable information and interesting articles.

The content is presented in a clear and engaging manner, making it easy to understand and follow.

Whether you are interested in a particular field or simply looking for some good reading material, this journal has something to offer.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons.

Don't make the same mistake I did and miss out on this great resource.

Pick up a copy today and start exploring!
July 15,2025
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Everything the description says about the book is indeed true. It is not just the best book of this year; perhaps it is the best book I've read in a whole year. His honest self-analysis and his profound thoughts about World War II, when juxtaposed against the Six-Day War in 1967, made me repeatedly ponder what Ionesco would say in today's context. Maybe I loved it so deeply because he seemed to be communicating directly with me and addressing my desires and my thoughts about the world. I also wondered, as he would name-drop Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, where was his mention of Camus and Celine? But this was merely a minor curiosity. You can definitely observe the strong correlation between Ionesco's heart and soul and his plays. If it is even conceivable, this has made me love and appreciate his plays even more. One should be aware, however, that this is not really a biography in the traditional, linear sense of cause-and-effect. Instead, it is mostly his reflections on what was happening around him at that particular time.

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