Two seemingly unrelated items in the July 12 issue came together for me. The first was the account of Professor David Bellos’ new book on Les Misérables (Life of the Mind). Bellos observes that Victor Hugo, in a search for “solutions” to social ills, rejected “political action” and “look[ed] to individual acts of charity and generosity.” The other item was the poignant letter from Tina White ’82 thanking her classmates for their “gracious reception and gentle inquisitions” at this year’s Reunions. Her classmates’ open and supportive reception of her successful transition from Bill White to Tina provides eloquent testimony to the accuracy of Hugo’s judgment. It is also a reminder of the “wonderful” power of individuals who bring charity and generosity to interpersonal relations.
Two seemingly unrelated items in the July 12 issue came together for me. The first was the account of Professor David Bellos’ new book on Les Misérables (Life of the Mind). Bellos observes that Victor Hugo, in a search for “solutions” to social ills, rejected “political action” and “look[ed] to individual acts of charity and generosity.” The other item was the poignant letter from Tina White ’82 thanking her classmates for their “gracious reception and gentle inquisitions” at this year’s Reunions. Her classmates’ open and supportive reception of her successful transition from Bill White to Tina provides eloquent testimony to the accuracy of Hugo’s judgment. It is also a reminder of the “wonderful” power of individuals who bring charity and generosity to interpersonal relations.