The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Tolstoy

“It is as if I had been going downhill while I imagined I was going up. And that is really what it was. I was going up in public opinion, but to the same extent life was ebbing away from me. And now it is all done and there is only death.”

The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a novella that remains relevant today, exploring questions surrounding the human condition and authenticity. The novella was written after Tolstoy's spiritual crisis of the 1870s.

Ivan lives life as he believes to be correct, but is faced with pain, not knowing its source. He questions whether or not he truly lived the good life.

Bring anything that will make you feel comfortable (sweater, water, etc.).

We will be at the new Central Library in room 3-20A "Idea Lab". This is on the 3rd floor.