I who have never known men: written letter to "The Child"
By Jacqueline Harpman Published in 1995 originally in French, translated by Ros Schwartz " To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering"- Friedrich Nietzsche I recognize that you may not be able to read this, but I want to express something profound, akin to the respect you felt for the man who passed away with dignity in the chamber. You sought to honor his memory, ensuring that as long as you exist, he would be remembered. In a similar vein, I am extending that same honor to you. Many people argue about the essence of living—whether it involves worshiping a higher power, transcending the ordinary, or embracing one's true self without concern for societal judgments regarding sexuality and gender identity. Yet, you were deprived of these experiences, embodying the very question that stirs endless debate: "What does it mean to live? What does it mean to be human?" You traversed the world burdened with unanswered questions, and eve...