"Telling the Bees" explores the ancient tradition of sharing important family news—births, deaths, marriages—with beehives. This practice, rooted in a belief in the interconnectedness of human and bee communities, saw keepers tapping on hives and whispering the news, sometimes draping them in black crepe for mourning. The essay traces the tradition's decline, linking it to the shift from small-scale, intimate beekeeping to industrialized practices. It reflects on the lost reciprocity between humans and nature, symbolized by this ritual, and suggests that the fading tradition reflects a broader detachment from the natural world and its rhythms. Ultimately, "telling the bees" represents a deep-seated human desire to connect with and acknowledge the living world around us, a connection now increasingly threatened.
In 1962, Roald Dahl's daughter Olivia died from measles encephalitis at age seven. Devastated, Dahl initially retreated into grief and questioned his faith. With the encouragement of a family friend, he eventually found solace by immersing himself in the creation of a measles vaccination campaign, advocating for its importance and helping fund research. While never fully recovering from the loss, Dahl channeled his grief into a positive action, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedy.
Hacker News users discuss Roald Dahl's reaction to the death of his daughter Olivia, with many focusing on his stoicism and attempt to find reason amidst grief. Some commenters find his eventual embrace of pseudoscience, specifically faith healing, understandable given the tragedy, while others criticize it as a dangerous path. The piece's portrayal of Dahl's complex grief resonated with several readers who shared personal experiences of loss and the different ways people cope. A few commenters also note Dahl's difficult personality, both before and after Olivia's death, questioning the simplicity of portraying him solely as a grieving father. Several users mention the irony of his later anti-vaccine stance, given that measles took his daughter's life, sparking discussion on the complexities of grief and its impact on decision-making.
Wayne Dunstan, a former physical education teacher and consultant, is credited with popularizing sport stacking (or cup stacking), the activity involving quickly stacking and unstacking specially designed cups in specific patterns. While speed stacking is now a globally recognized sport with official rules and competitions, Dunstan initially developed it in the 1980s as a low-cost, inclusive activity for his students in Oceanside, California, to improve their hand-eye coordination and reaction time. The activity's simplicity and engaging nature led to its widespread adoption in schools and youth programs, ultimately transforming it into the phenomenon it is today.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and popularity of "Speed Stacks" and similar cup stacking sets. Some recalled using them in school, with varying levels of enjoyment and perceived educational value. Several commenters questioned the claimed benefits of cup stacking for hand-eye coordination and ambidexterity, viewing it more as a toy or game than a serious developmental tool. Others pointed out the marketing savvy behind the product's success, creating a competitive "sport" around a simple activity. The idea of the inventor profiting handsomely from school budgets also drew some cynical remarks. A few users shared alternative, cheaper DIY versions of the cups, highlighting the simplicity of the concept.
Building trust with children, particularly through reliable follow-through on promises and commitments, is more crucial for long-term success than teaching delayed gratification, as emphasized by the original "Marshmallow Test" researcher. Focusing on creating a secure and predictable environment where children can trust their parents' words and actions fosters a stronger foundation for future decision-making and overall well-being than simply rewarding the ability to wait. This trust empowers children to confidently explore the world, knowing their parents will be there as promised, contributing to greater resilience and self-reliance.
HN users generally agree with the article's premise that building trust with children is paramount, and that the "marshmallow test" is a flawed metric for future success. Several commenters highlight the importance of context and socioeconomic factors in a child's ability to delay gratification. Some share personal anecdotes reinforcing the value of trust and secure attachment. A recurring theme is that parenting for delayed gratification can backfire, creating anxiety and distrust. One commenter points out the flawed methodology of the original study, mentioning the small sample size and lack of diversity. Others discuss the importance of modeling delayed gratification behavior as parents, rather than simply demanding it from children.
After the death of her father, a woman inherited his vast collection of 10,000 vinyl records. Overwhelmed by the sheer volume and unable to part with them, she embarked on a year-long project to listen to each album. This process, documented on TikTok, resonated with many experiencing grief, transforming the daunting task into a journey of connection with her father and a way to process her loss through his musical tastes. The viral response highlighted how shared experiences of grief can be unexpectedly comforting and create a sense of community around mourning and remembrance.
HN commenters largely discuss their own experiences with inherited music collections and the emotional weight they carry. Some detail the difficulties of digitizing or otherwise dealing with large physical collections, with suggestions for careful curation and prioritizing sentimental value over completeness. Others share anecdotes about connecting with deceased relatives through their musical tastes, reflecting on the role music plays in preserving memories and sparking intergenerational dialogue. Several users also critique the Washington Post article for its perceived sentimentality and framing of vinyl as a uniquely powerful medium for grief processing, arguing that any cherished belongings can serve a similar function. A few express skepticism about the virality of the story, viewing it as a common experience rather than an exceptional one.
Charles Darwin's children, particularly his sons Francis and Horace, used his scientific manuscripts as canvases for their youthful doodles. These drawings, discovered on the backs of and within the pages of important documents like early drafts of On the Origin of Species, include whimsical sketches of ships, houses, and fantastical creatures. While initially seen as distractions, these markings now offer a charming glimpse into the Darwin family's domestic life, humanizing the renowned scientist and demonstrating that even groundbreaking work can coexist with the playful chaos of raising a family. Cambridge University Library's Darwin Manuscripts Project has digitized these marked-up manuscripts, making them accessible to the public online.
Commenters on Hacker News appreciated the humanizing glimpse into Darwin's life as a father alongside his scientific pursuits. Several noted the charm and humor of the children's additions to such important work, with one pointing out the irony of corrections made on the theory of evolution by the next generation. Another commenter shared a similar anecdote about their own father, a physicist, whose work was "decorated" by their sibling. The overall sentiment reflects a fondness for the story and a sense of connection to the playful chaos of family life, even in the context of groundbreaking scientific work. A few users also expressed interest in seeing more of these marked-up manuscripts.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43636948
HN users discuss the tradition of "telling the bees" and its cultural significance. Some find it a beautiful custom reflecting a deep connection with nature and a recognition of bees' importance. Others view it practically, suggesting it might have served to calm the bees during disruptive events like funerals. The possibility of subconscious communication with bees is raised, as well as the parallel custom of including bees in inheritance. Skepticism is also present, with some commenters seeing the tradition as purely superstitious. The discussion also touches upon the decline of bee populations and broader themes of ecological awareness and respect for the natural world. A few comments mention personal experiences with beekeeping and the surprising gentleness of bees under certain circumstances.
The Hacker News post "Telling the Bees" has generated a moderate number of comments, most of which delve into the historical and cultural context of the practice of "telling the bees." Several commenters express fascination with the tradition and its implications.
One compelling comment highlights the deep emotional connection between humans and bees implied by the ritual. It notes that beyond the practical aspects of beekeeping, the practice of "telling the bees" suggests a recognition of the bees as sentient beings deserving of respect and inclusion in significant life events. This commenter links this to a broader theme of animism and the attribution of spirit to elements of the natural world.
Another commenter provides further historical context, noting the prevalence of the custom across various cultures and geographical regions. They mention specific examples of similar traditions in different parts of Europe, emphasizing the widespread nature of this belief system. This expands the conversation beyond the initial focus on the British Isles and demonstrates the universality of human interaction with nature.
A separate thread discusses the symbolism of bees and their hives. One user links the hive to concepts of the feminine, the home, and ordered community. This adds a layer of symbolic interpretation to the practice of "telling the bees," suggesting that the ritual might represent a communication with a natural force associated with these concepts.
Other comments speculate about the practical origins of the custom. One suggestion is that it stemmed from the need to keep the hive calm during times of stress or change within the human family. This pragmatic perspective provides a potential counterpoint to the more spiritual interpretations.
A few commenters also share personal anecdotes related to beekeeping, adding a personal touch to the discussion. One commenter, for example, mentions their experience introducing new bee colonies to their property. While not directly related to "telling the bees," these anecdotes contribute to a sense of community and shared interest in the topic.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News explore the practice of "telling the bees" from various perspectives, ranging from historical and cultural analysis to personal reflections and symbolic interpretations. The comments enrich the understanding of the custom by delving into its potential origins and exploring its deeper meaning within the context of human relationships with the natural world.