قصة الكتاب :
\"The Man without Qualities\" is a novel by the Austrian writer Robert Musil. Musil produced several works including \"The Confusions of Young Törless\", a short story collection titled \"Three Women\", and the novel \" The Man without Qualities\", which was written over more than twenty years. An intellectual of diversified interests, Musil has been formed by the literary influences of his contemporaries from literary figures to linguists, philosophers and psychologists. His novel is considered one of the classic texts in the revival of German literature. With a plot where the protagonist\'s character echoes the author, the novel explores how intellectuals reflect on politics.
The plot is inhabited by three main characters, Ulrich, a man who fails to achieve fame and glory. The alienation of Ulrich appears by virtue of his acute awareness and acquisition of skills necessary for success, however, he is inflicted with helpless and confusion. The decayed and tough reality has proved to be too complicated for a sensitive man like Ulrich to handle or change. He, therefore, tends to spoil himself with whatever he likes, even if his desires are judged and rejected on social or moral grounds. The second protagonist is Diotima whose story intersects with Ulrich\'s. Although, unlike Ulrich, she doesn’t show hesitation doing what she believes in, Diotima constantly fails to achieve her goals. The third principal character is Arnheim who finds balance required to coup with the changes of the modern industrial era.
The plot unfolds in a festive atmosphere during the preparations to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of seating Emperor Wilhelm II. In Diotima\'s place, some figures of intellect, culture and military meet. Ulrich heads the committee through which he launches a cynical criticism of the political situations. The influence of Musil\'s novel indeed transcends reviving German literature; it has deeply influenced the thought of European modernity.