A Pessimist in Theory and Practice

"A Pessimist in Theory and Practice" by Robert Timsoll is a book that looks closely at society and what it means to be human through the tale of James Hartman, a man who has decided to live away from others in the woods. When a former college friend comes to visit, the story looks at being pessimistic, what society expects from people, and trying to find purpose in what seems like a random world. The book starts with Robert, the main character, meeting Hartman, his old friend, while fishing. Their talk shows that Hartman is disappointed with what society wants from him and that he likes the simple life of nature more than the busy life of the city. They discuss wanting to succeed, doing what's expected, and how important it is for people to connect with each other, showing that Hartman is a complicated person struggling with where he belongs. This sets the scene for a deeper examination of how both men think as their lives become connected to women they knew before, suggesting there will be problems and emotional challenges ahead.