If this essay doesnāt kill me, nothing will. Iām currently grappling with the concept of connecting Du Boisā concept of double consciousness with post-structuralism. I donāt know whether Iām being very clever or very stupid. (x)
I have so much to catch up on this week :(((( but I had a lovely birthday weekend with no study and just spent time with my family!Ā time to really sort my shit out over the next few days lol
Dark Academia Books for Students of Politics and International Relations:
I mean, heck, I am no expert but my need to see this niche ass post is a lot so here goes.
The Prince: Machiavelli- do I NEED to explain this one. Its a seminal text in politics and political philosophy and when you listen to the ideas described in it they can sound a little crazy but once you read it you realise they are still crazy but grounded in something very real. Also its short as heck and an easy read.
Politics among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace- Hans J Morgenthau. I had to pick this one up for my coursework last semester and I thought it would be a snooze fest but no. I was drawn in and I havenāt finished it since but I do plan to get back to it at my leisure.
The End of History and the Last Man: Francis Fukuyama- YES, I fundamentally disagree with Fukuyama on so many points. YES, it is still one of my favourite books of all time. it is a very riveting discussion of political philosophy, history and international relations. If you are interested in any of those topics, pick it up. You wonāt regret it.
How Democracy Ends: David Runciman- captivatingly written, great arguments, and a very unique voice. Super relevant in todayās international political atmosphere and if you are interested in studying the rise of right wing authoritarian governments across the globe, this is a great place to start.
Thomas Hobbes: Leviathan- another one that I just feel like i donāt need to explain. Again havenāt read it fully yet, but its quite chill inducing and the basis for most of the contemporary discussion on state, liberalism, authoritarianism, rights and so forth.Ā
These were just my recommendations, and I by no means claim that they cover the entire gamut of the field. In fact, I would consider myself a noob still where texts relating to politics or IR are concerned, so feel free to give your recommendations and opinions as well!Ā Ā
This weekend is for work and kinetics!!! Officially 1 month (minus 1 day) away from exams so imma try to crack down on distractions and get it together!!!1!1!
5.1.2020 // I think I was only productive for 8 hours in total this week. Featuring my semi-messy desk. My productivity isnāt as great as it used to be; Iām so used to working in actual coffee shops that studying at home has weirdly become a challenge. Iām thinking of creating a virtual coffee shop just so I can āseeā other people and be inspired to work on my own things. What do you guys think?
Woke up at 5:30 today and went for a sunrise walk with my friends!! It was honestly really cute and gave me so much more time during the day (but I ended up just rewatching S2 of haikyuu and baking some cookies). About to get through some organic chem and biochemistry lectures now!
Had a calm morning working on an orgo lab report :) this week is pretty packed with assignments and lecture catch ups (bc waking up for online class is hard) but I have a tiny picnic planned with friends next week since some restrictions have been lifted and Iāve told myself I can go if I catch up on my missed lectures!!
1) Breaking up stints of work with exercise. For me, this looks like working out for an hour in the morning, afternoon and evening around studying. This will provide some semblance of structure to your day, and also take you away from your desk. It was a godsend for me today after four online contact hours!
2) Keeping to my typical routine where possible.Ā Today, I wore my āuni clothesā when working, and my āgym clothesā when working out. I woke up, ate, slept and showered when I usually would.Ā
3) Keeping in touch with classmates and professors. So far this has helped me immensely- not only in keeping me on track and informed, but in alleviating some of my anxiety. Weāre all in the same boat!
4) Taking proper, lengthy breaks to avoid burnout. Read, draw, talk to your family. Skype your friends. Exercise. Now more than ever, itās essential to manage your time healthily.Ā
5) Drinking a shit tonne of water. Keep yourself hydrated- Iām a history major, so I couldnāt tell you why this is good for your immune system, but Iāve been told that it is, as Iām sure you have too. Itās also great if you struggle to pull yourself away from your work- remember, breaks can be as simple as the five minutes it takes you to go to the loo, and refill your water bottle.Ā
6) Keeping clean, and presentable. Wear clean clothes. Shower. Take care of your hair and skin. Holding on to whatever semblance of normality you can right now is absolutely essential, and slumming it in your PJs and stale BO is going to make you feel worse (this is from experience!).Ā
7) Physically compartmentalising my space. For me this looks like: working out in my garage, studying at my desk, taking breaks in my garden (itās finally warming up here!), and eating in my living room. This sounds absolutely redundant, but itās so, so important.Ā
Remember- itās okay to feel weird! These are strange times. Focus on what you personally have control over- your work, your mental well being, your fitness and your immediate surroundings. Rest, keep active, and stay safe! Enjoy this blurry time lapse of me prepping for a seminar on the anthropocene.Ā
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