Confessions of Narcissus

Confessions of Narcissus explores the idea that our demand for narrative coherence can make our lives difficult to bear and that uncertainty has artistic merit and can be a state of being that we might enjoy. It suggests that we become creators of our own misfortunes by trying to find cures for ourselves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 04 May 2023
Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press

In his profound exploration of authority and its boundaries, Confessions of Narcissus delves into the intricate web of human knowledge and the spaces that exist between what we believe we know. Scully suggests that our relentless pursuit of narrative coherence, driven by our desire for coherence and understanding, often creates immense challenges in our lives. When William Hazlitt declared, "It is we who are Hamlet," he hinted at the universality of Shakespeare's masterpiece, emphasizing that Hamlet not only speaks to our own fears and anxieties but also brings them into existence. In our quest for self-healing and cures, we inadvertently become creators, to some extent, of our own misfortunes.

Confessions of Narcissus expands upon the notion that stories are both what we crave and, paradoxically, what we endure. Through a series of insightful observations and aphorisms, Scully argues that uncertainty should not necessarily be viewed as an ailment that needs to be overcome. Instead, he follows in the footsteps of Keats and others, suggesting that uncertainty holds a realm of curiosity and artistic merit. It is a state of being that we can embrace and even find joy in.

Scully's exploration of authority and its limitations invites us to reflect on the boundaries of knowledge and the complexities of human perception. He challenges us to embrace the spaces between what we know and what we don't, recognizing that these gaps can be fertile grounds for growth, creativity, and personal transformation. By acknowledging the inherent uncertainty in our lives, we can cultivate a deeper sense of curiosity, openness, and resilience, enabling us to navigate the complexities of the world with greater wisdom and compassion.

Weight: 134g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781628974539