That which they call pessimism in Swift and in Byron is only a burning, sharp protest against the imperfection of life and man.

But you cannot find among them the cold, well weighed and passive pessimism." Then, as though suddenly recalling Foma, he turned to him, clasping his hands behind his back, and, wriggling his thigh, said: "You raise very important questions, and if you are seriously interested in them you must read books.

In them will you find many very valuable opinions as to the meaning of life.

How about you--do you read books ?" "No!" replied Foma, briefly.
"Ah!" "I don't like them." "Aha! But they might nevertheless be of some help to you," said Taras, and a smile passed across his lips.
"Books?
Since men cannot help me in my thoughts books can certainly do nothing for me," ejaculated Foma, morosely.
He began to feel awkward and weary with this indifferent man.

He felt like going away, but at the same time he wished to tell Lubov something insulting about her brother, and he waited till Taras would leave the room.