Eulogy Assignment

I would love to stand before you today telling the story of a man full of righteous conviction and desire to help suffering people from all walks of life. Alas, that is not who he was. Artem was a man of thought, one of the most dangerous and utterly terrifying things to be. He questioned constantly, was perpetually unsure of everything, and had a thoroughly bleak worldview. It may sound to you like I am speaking ill of the deceased, but you misunderstand. Artem held few convictions, but those he did were iron-wrought. The shades of gray in which he saw everything may be perceived as an impediment, but he always warned against wearing rose-colored glasses, preferring to keep expectations low in order to be pleasantly surprised on the off-chance that something actually went well. He couldn't stand complaining from people who were disgustingly optimistic and therefore, constantly disappointed. Artem was a Dostoevsky in that he believed that life's vibrance and beauty only fully came to light in the very depths of human misery and despair. In his mind, unchecked desire, excess and conscious "happiness" retarded personal growth. He believed that strife pushed us to strive, and our eternal striving led to betterment. Artem Potemkin likely wouldn't condone this stupid speech that I'm giving, and would probably ask that you all disperse from this affair altogether. He would say that the death of a man is a matter to be handled privately, with respect and in silence. He wouldn't care for your dull, utterly disinterested visages or your sole drive to reach the donuts on the table at the wake. He wasn't a misanthrope, but he was damn close. In my opinion as well as his, humanity deserves that attitude. Artem was an unfaltering, uncompromising force. And for that, I loved him like a brother. Thank you, and have a good night.