Philosophy Now Forum

In the novel "The Pale King" there is a boy named Leonard who is good no matter what. When people hurt him he is eager to forgive everything and he offers kindness in abundance.
And yet he is hated by everyone, including his own parents. His kindness provokes helpless hatred and the desire to kill.

Alyosha Karamazov is also angelically good, but nobody hates him.

What´s the difference between the two ?

Could it be that a holy fool can be tolerated in Russia but not in the US ?

When someone hurts Alyosha he reacts with "bitter sadness". Would this be the decisive difference between the two ?

And haven´t read "The Pale King".

How was Leonard able to get a job in the Treasury Departement ?
If he wanted nothing for himself and was loathed by everyone how could he get hired at all ?

It´s a mystery. I would have to ask D.F.W. one time I meet him.