Book of the day, actually “Mann” for life. I'm currently reading “The Magic Mountain”, among other things, but Thomas Mann's stories are always a good choice for in between.

“Little Mr. Friedemann” is certainly known to many - if not, be sure to read it! This story is just as much a part of this volume as “Tristan”, in which the Wagnerian Mann unmistakably resonates. “Vision” is also included, and speaking of vision(s): The sound of this word inevitably makes me think of Helmut Schmidt: “If you have visions, you should see a doctor!” This inadvertently brings me to politics, which I actually wanted to avoid - or should have!

What is currently happening in the socio-political arena can only be politely described as madness. The performance is atrocious. Actually, “man” should just shout “boo” to acknowledge these “performances”, as is customary in many Wagner productions. In Bayreuth, you sometimes hear a “Brava!” - but I wouldn't be able to say that in a political context at the moment. By the way: I think it's silly when visitors shout “Brava!” in Bayreuth anyway. But well, to each his own. There's a lot that I no longer understand anyway - even the tone seems to be different from what I'm used to. Want an example? You don't shake hands with your gloves on. But this etiquette seems to be completely unknown today. But let's not go there.

“Death” is also represented in the collection of stories - but it doesn't just roam between the covers of Mann's stories. It is also making its rounds in the SME sector, and even at VW or Audi, the best times are probably over for the time being - thanks to glorious decisions. But let's not go into that either.

My new Biedermeier period is not an escape into domesticity, but an escape into literature. My bookcase is filled with world literature, and I will bridge these times with reading material - until sanity and normality return.

S.

The link to the original German text: https://www.ganjingworld.com/s/qNmVKDx91w