David Boyle

I'm Quitting Alcohol

David Boyle

  • 5 Years 360 days - Life and Fate

5 Years 360 days - Life and Fate

Wednesday 7th May 2025

Join David Boyle as he reflects on Vasily Grossman's 'Life and Fate', exploring themes of survival, dignity, and the enduring power of kindness.
Explicit
6 minutes
Raw
Honest
Engaging
Reflective
Thought-provoking

About this podcast

I'm Quitting Alcohol
Author:
David Boyle
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety in Everyday Life
Comedic Journeys
Creative Recovery Journeys
Financial Health in Recovery
Body & Mind
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

David Boyle's Sobering Reflection on 'Life and Fate'

Episode Overview

  • Boyle shares his experience reading 'Life and Fate'.
  • Explores themes of survival and dignity during the Holocaust.
  • Reflects on human behaviour in extreme situations.
  • Considers the enduring power of kindness against evil.
  • Provides a unique comedic perspective on serious subjects.
"It is not man who is impotent in the struggle against evil, but the power of evil that is impotent in the struggle against man"
David Boyle, the comedian behind 'I'm Quitting Alcohol', takes a deep dive into the heavy themes of Vasily Grossman's 'Life and Fate' in this episode. Known for his candid and often humorous take on sobriety, Boyle tackles the intense emotional journey of reading about the Holocaust. He shares his reflections on the unimaginable cruelty depicted in Grossman's work, questioning the depths of human behaviour and the psychological scars left on survivors.
Boyle's vivid recounting of the book's scenes—where an SS soldier randomly selects individuals for survival—paints a picture of despair and fleeting hope. Through the lens of Grossman's narrative, Boyle ponders on the choice between survival and dignity, offering a raw insight into humanity's darkest moments. He also reads a poignant passage from the book, contemplating the enduring power of kindness against evil.
While Boyle’s comedic flair often shines through, this episode is marked by a more sombre tone, as he grapples with the weighty subject matter. If you're up for a reflective exploration of human resilience amid chaos, Boyle's musings offer a unique perspective that might just resonate with you.
alcoholfree.com
Published by The Mindful Drinking Company Limited
4 Providence Court, Pynes Hill, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5JL, England
Registered in England and Wales.
Company Number: 1195057. Vat Number: GB320915135.
Registered address as above.
© Copyright 2005-2025 The Mindful Drinking Company Limited.
All Rights Reserved.
alcoholfree.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.