“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bukowski

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by platoscubicle on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @01:09PM (#21827522)

Agreed. I just feel bad for him now, it appears he was very depressed and that's nothing to romanticize.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by 2OEH8eoCRo0 on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @01:27PM (#21827697)

Most people do not romanticize or seek to emulate Bukowski although I know at least one person who does. Bukowski lived a life that I wouldn't like to trade places with which is what makes him interesting. I can only read about so many scientists and thinkers who lived their lives beyond reproach all day every day.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by dvtrn on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @01:38PM (#21827813)

Most people do not romanticize or seek to emulate Bukowski

Sounds like you’ve never experienced the joys of online dating.

Be thankful for this

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by rak00n on Thursday December 19, 2019 @12:51AM (#21832301)

How's Bukowski related to online dating?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by system2 on Thursday December 19, 2019 @01:44AM (#21832575)

Possibly he is referring to constant rejection and feeling worthless. Although, Henry Chinaski was getting laid a lot.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by dvtrn on Thursday December 19, 2019 @04:27PM (#21839508)

No not quite. I’ve just seen an awful lot of quotes from a few of his books and poems used almost like strange personal affirmations in dating profiles.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by baby on Thursday December 19, 2019 @06:17AM (#21833878)

Henry Chinaski was getting laid a lot after writing his first book.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by zwieback on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @02:46PM (#21828568)

Came here wondering about the same thing. I read him in high school but not sure I'd read him now in my fifties. Same with Salinger. I guess I'll check out one of his books and give it a try but wondering if there are any older Bukowski fans here to comment.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by cgh on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @03:14PM (#21828912)

I re-read the four novels some time back (Ham on Rye, Factotum, Post Office and Women) and they were still effective. My reaction to them was a bit different from when I was in my 20s, of course (I'm now 50), and also knowing what I know about his actual life. The vastly exaggerated womanizing came across as sad and desperate. He was driven and gifted and downplayed both of these things to create an impression of a life idled away. I now realize it was an affectation.

I didn't realize it at the time, but Women really ended on a "And they lived happily ever after" vibe. At the end of the day, the books boil down to a search for love and understanding.

Of course, that's just my impression and you may disagree. For sure the guy was a hell of a writer. His ability to create a certain atmosphere in only a few sentences was without peer.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by zwieback on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @08:11PM (#21831193)

Thanks for the summary - I think I'll give him another go.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by vincent-toups on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @02:18PM (#21828243)

He really struck his girlfriends too, I hear.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by dang on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @08:26PM (#21831263)

Please don't do this here.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by vanusa on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @02:46PM (#21828567)

struck his girlfriends

Multiple girlfriends? Repeatedly?

I'm aware of 2 incidents involving Linda King. With other incidents (involving which girlfriends) are you referring to?

I won't defend his behavior - but please, let's be accurate here.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by vincent-toups on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @04:18PM (#21829590)

Super important to be ultra careful about how many times this man hit a woman.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by vanusa on Wednesday December 18, 2019 @04:34PM (#21829707)

No, I just don't see the value in hyperbole -- or outright factual misrepresentation.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by system2 on Thursday December 19, 2019 @01:45AM (#21832583)

So, how many times is acceptable?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bu... by vanusa on Saturday December 21, 2019 @05:23PM (#21853675)

That's not the point.

[ Parent | on HN ]