The presentation on Monday was on the philosopher Dostoevsky, which was the first time I’ve ever heard about him. In Notes From Underground, the protagonist claims that he is a sick and spiteful man. Spiteful because he acknowledges his pain and discomfort, and in return, does nothing about it. He does not accept treatment even though he has respect for medicine and science. His spite is not about getting even with the doctors or about holding a grudge, he simply refuses help out of spite. Some of the characteristics of the underground man, stated by the presenting group, are superstitious, spiteful, bitterness, and isolated. What causes a man or woman to feel this way? These traits can apply to anyone on their bad days, but with these four traits, it seems like there is a deeper issue. All humans desire what will be advantageous to them. Money, good health, family, and a profession are some common desires, but what overpowers all of these desires? The answer is the advantageous advantage. Even though reason and science tells us how to live and what to aspire towards, we humans are not perfect. We are not accustomed to living the perfect way no matter how hard we try. We will do what we think is our best advantage. Our best advantage is our free will. According to the underground man, if we try to live by the laws of nature and science, we lose our free will because everything already has an order to they way it works. So instead of the protagonist seeking medical attention for his diseased liver, he exercises his free will by saying, “No.” In my opinion, I can only half agree with the underground man’s views of life. I understand his view of free will. It puts you in the uttermost control of your life and your life’s direction. It is the power that doctors, lawyers, friends, and family don’t give you. Even if you know their best interests, deciding your own free will is top priority. But to what extent do you use your free will? Until death or until you can no longer bear what you are going through?