I know I am REALLY late to add my praises, but I wanted to mention that this was the very first EP episode I listened to and I was hooked at once… a good start to an addiction I won’t have to go into rehab for, right?
It is one of those rare gems that left me with tears in my eyes but a smile on my face at the same time. One could almost say it felt as if the story held up a mirror showing you all that has gone wrong in your life, making you reassess your priorities and it certainly made me realize that I have to rethink my ‘work-life-balance’, that I have neglected personal relationships, etc. etc. …
And yes, an academic life means one has to make sacrifices, but (Dr) Faust(us) (- one of my favourite fantasy characters of all time -) did get all the wisdom he desired (and more) by selling his soul to Mephistopheles, but it did not really do him any good in the end. (depending on the version you choose ro read/watch). So sacrificing certain things to fulfil a purpose/ambition in life can be justified and result in a very satisfying life (see Gruen), but …
A great story, very sad and emotional and strangely uplifting at the same time.