Author’s Note

The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary. Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed. I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past. He is one of the representatives of a generation still living. In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst. In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.

The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, fictional. Nevertheless, considering the circumstances in which our society has formed, people like the writer of these notes not only may exist in our society, but certainly must. I have tried to show the public, more clearly than is usually done, one character from the recent past. He represents a generation still living. In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” he introduces himself and his views. He also tries, as it were, to explain why someone like him has appeared among us and was bound to appear. The second fragment contains his actual notes about certain events in his life.