The City of Conatus

Conatus City: Solitary Sublimity Blooming in a Maze of Desire, Opening New Horizons for Korean Literature

<Conatus City> is not merely a novel, but rather a grand symphony embodying a deep and delicate philosophical reflection on the relationship between desire and solitude, city and human. With skillful finesse, the author sharply dissects the anxieties and yearnings of modern people, set against the backdrop of an anonymous city, and redraws the map of Korean literature.

The work follows the journey of a man who decides to meet an online romantic partner in an unfamiliar city. Through the encounter with a woman named ‘Nastya’, he explores the essence of love and desire, and questions the meaning of life. The cityscape is not simply a backdrop, but a mirror reflecting the protagonist's inner self, and a labyrinth that constantly tempts and confuses him.

The author's prose is as precise and beautiful as the touch of a skilled sculptor. He vividly depicts the noise, colors, and smells of the city, deeply drawing the reader into the story. In particular, his ability to sensually express the protagonist's psychological changes and the flow of desire through symbolic elements such as purple flowers, fountains, and hotel rooms is truly overwhelming.

<Conatus City> transcends the framework of a simple romance novel. The author takes the philosophical concept of ‘conatus’ from Spinoza as the core theme of the work, and deeply explores the relationship between human self-preservation instincts and desire. The protagonist attempts to confirm his conatus and find meaning in life through his meeting with Nastya, but ultimately realizes the futility of desire and solitude.

The final scene of the work leaves a deep impression. The protagonist realizes that his encounter with Nastya was ultimately an illusion of desire, and returns alone to the hotel. He is still lonely, but at the same time, he gains the courage to face his desires and the truth of life. This final scene poses deep questions about the meaning and value of life to the reader, leaving a lasting and powerful impression that will not be easily forgotten.

<Conatus City> is a groundbreaking work that sets a new milestone in Korean literature. With his outstanding writing skills and deep philosophical insight, the author delicately depicts the solitude and desires of modern people, and presents new possibilities for Korean literature. This work will be loved by readers for a long time to come, and will remain a work that inspires literary researchers.