Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa, a towering figure of 20th and 21st-century literature, has died. The Peruvian writer, known for his prolific and politically charged novels, essays, and plays, explored themes of power, corruption, and individual freedom against the backdrop of Latin American society. His works, including "The Time of the Hero," "Conversation in the Cathedral," and "The Feast of the Goat," garnered international acclaim for their complex characters, intricate plots, and unflinching portrayal of societal ills. Vargas Llosa's influence extended beyond literature, as he actively participated in Peruvian politics, even running for president in 1990. His death marks the end of a remarkable literary career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the world.
Paranoid science fiction author Philip K. Dick believed that Stanisław Lem was not a single person, but a collective of authors operating under the direction of the Polish communist government. He suspected Lem's work was being used to disseminate communist propaganda and infiltrate Western intellectual circles. Dick's accusations, fueled by his own mental health struggles and Cold War anxieties, stemmed from the difficulty he had contacting Lem directly, the perceived uniformity of Lem's diverse output, and the rapid translation of his works. Dick's theory extended to the idea that Lem's writings aimed to control public opinion and that Lem himself was a functionary tasked with critiquing Western science fiction. While unsupported by evidence, this episode reveals much about Dick's mindset and the sociopolitical context of the time.
Hacker News users discuss the validity and context of Philip K. Dick's accusations against Stanislaw Lem. Some commenters point out Dick's documented mental health struggles and drug use, suggesting his claims should be viewed through that lens. Others highlight the political climate of the Cold War, where such accusations were common and often leveraged for personal gain or to silence dissenting voices. A few commenters defend Dick's paranoia, suggesting that while perhaps misdirected toward Lem specifically, his concerns about censorship and state control of information were valid in the context of the Eastern Bloc. Several commenters express interest in learning more about the historical and political backdrop of this literary feud. Finally, some lament the sensationalist title of the article, arguing it detracts from a more nuanced understanding of the situation.
Mensa's recommended reading list for high school students offers a diverse range of classic and contemporary literature spanning various genres and cultures. The list emphasizes challenging texts that encourage critical thinking and expose students to different perspectives. Included are works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama, from authors like Shakespeare, Austen, Orwell, and Angelou, aiming to broaden literary horizons and foster a lifelong love of reading. The list is not exhaustive, but rather a starting point for exploring the rich world of literature.
HN commenters generally found the Mensa reading list unimpressive, criticizing it as uninspired, Eurocentric, and lacking diversity in both authors and genres. Several suggested alternative lists or resources, such as the Harold Bloom canon, "1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up," and local library recommendations. Some commenters questioned the value of prescribed reading lists altogether, advocating instead for allowing students to explore their own interests. The lack of sci-fi/fantasy and more contemporary works was also a common complaint. A few defended the list, arguing that it provides a solid foundation in classic literature.
Standard Ebooks produces free, high-quality ebooks for readers. They meticulously format and proofread public domain texts, creating beautifully typeset, accessible editions optimized for various e-readers. Their goal is to liberate classic literature from inconsistent and often poorly formatted digital versions, offering a superior reading experience akin to well-crafted print books, while also respecting the author's original intent. They encourage community involvement through contributions like proofreading and cover art.
Hacker News users generally praised Standard Ebooks' mission and quality. Several commenters appreciated the attention to detail and craftsmanship applied to the ebook formatting, contrasting it favorably with the often poor quality of commercially available ebooks. Some users highlighted the value of well-formatted ebooks for visually impaired readers using screen readers. A few commenters questioned the long-term viability of relying on donations and volunteered labor, while others suggested potential business models like a Patreon or selling curated collections. The DRM-free nature of the ebooks and the project's commitment to open standards were also commended. A minor point of contention was the choice of fonts, with some expressing preferences for alternatives.
In 1964, Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges met Marvin Minsky, a pioneer of artificial intelligence, at a symposium. Borges, initially skeptical and even dismissive of the field, viewing machines as incapable of true creativity, engaged in a lively debate with Minsky. This encounter exposed a clash between Borges's humanistic, literary perspective, rooted in symbolism and metaphor, and Minsky's scientific, computational approach. While Borges saw literature as inherently human, Minsky believed machines could eventually replicate and even surpass human intellectual abilities, including writing. The meeting highlighted fundamental differences in how they viewed the nature of intelligence, consciousness, and creativity.
HN commenters generally enjoyed the anecdote about Borges' encounter with McCulloch, finding it charming and insightful. Several appreciated the connection drawn between Borges' fictional worlds and the burgeoning field of AI, particularly the discussion of symbolic representation and the limitations of formal systems. Some highlighted Borges' skepticism towards reducing consciousness to mere computation, echoing his literary themes. A few commenters provided additional context about McCulloch's work and personality, while others offered further reading suggestions on related topics like cybernetics and the history of AI. One commenter noted the irony of Borges, known for his love of libraries, being introduced to the future of information processing.
Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Child and the Shadow" explores the crucial role of integrating the shadow self for healthy psychological development. Le Guin uses the fairy tale of "The Shadow" by Hans Christian Andersen to illustrate how denying or repressing the shadow leads to alienation and unhappiness. She argues that the shadow, representing our darker impulses and less admirable qualities, must be acknowledged and accepted as part of the whole self. Through consciousness and acceptance, the shadow can be integrated, leading to wholeness, maturity, and the ability to connect authentically with others. This process, though potentially frightening, is essential for living a full and meaningful life.
HN users discuss Le Guin's essay on the shadow self, largely agreeing with her premise of integrating rather than suppressing the negative aspects of personality. Several commenters appreciate the Jungian perspective and explore the idea of the shadow as a source of creativity and authenticity. Some discuss the practical challenges of integrating the shadow, noting the societal pressures to conform and the difficulty in accepting uncomfortable truths about oneself. The danger of projecting the shadow onto others is also highlighted, as is the importance of self-awareness in navigating these complexities. A few commenters mention the relevance of Le Guin's essay to current societal issues, such as political polarization. Overall, the comments reflect a thoughtful engagement with Le Guin's ideas.
The Paris Review blog post questions Robert Frost's status as a great American poet. While acknowledging his popularity and iconic status, the author argues that Frost's work is often simplistic, sentimental, and technically unadventurous compared to his modernist contemporaries. They suggest his folksy persona and accessible language contributed to his widespread appeal, overshadowing potentially more deserving poets. Ultimately, the post provokes readers to reconsider Frost's place in the literary canon, suggesting his reputation might be more product of skillful self-promotion and cultural circumstances than genuine artistic merit.
Hacker News users largely disagree with the Paris Review blog post criticizing Robert Frost. Many commenters find the author's analysis shallow, pedantic, and lacking in understanding of Frost's work, particularly his use of sound and meter. Some suggest the author is projecting their own preferences onto Frost and failing to appreciate his skill and impact. Several users defend Frost's accessibility and emotional depth, citing specific poems as examples. A few commenters agree with some of the author's points about Frost's simplistic themes, but the overall sentiment is strongly in favor of Frost's poetic merit. Several commenters also criticize the tone of the article, describing it as pretentious and unnecessarily provocative.
A recently rediscovered play by Toni Morrison, Dreaming Emmett, written in 1986 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emmett Till's murder, offers new insights into her later masterpiece, Beloved. The play, centered on Till's ghost revisiting key figures in his life and the trial, grapples with themes of racial violence, memory, and the struggle for justice, all prominent in Beloved. Scholars see Dreaming Emmett as a crucial stepping stone in Morrison's exploration of historical trauma and its enduring impact, revealing how she developed her signature blend of realism and surrealism to give voice to the silenced. The play's emphasis on cyclical violence and the importance of remembering resonates powerfully with the themes of haunting and unresolved grief found in her iconic novel.
HN commenters discuss Toni Morrison's lost play, "Dreaming Emmett," and its influence on Beloved. Some highlight the play's focus on the cyclical nature of racial trauma and its exploration of Emmett Till's murder through different perspectives, including his mother's grief and the imagined responses of figures like Jackie Robinson. Others express excitement at the possibility of the play finally being produced and draw parallels between Morrison's theatrical approach and Greek tragedies. Several commenters also mention the poignant timing of the play's rediscovery amidst ongoing racial injustice and note the connection between historical trauma and present-day struggles. One commenter notes the irony of Morrison having called the play "unstageable" while others suggest that its experimental nature might have made it challenging for audiences of that era.
This blog post celebrates Douglas Adams' birthday by raising a virtual toast to the late author. It highlights his immense contribution to humor, science fiction, and writing as a whole, emphasizing his unique wit, playful absurdity, and philosophical undertones. The post specifically praises The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series for its enduring popularity and influence on generations of readers and creators. It concludes by encouraging everyone to embrace the spirit of Adams' work—to be curious, to laugh at the universe's absurdity, and to never forget to carry a towel.
Hacker News users reacted to the linked blog post, a toast to Douglas Adams, with a mix of appreciation and lighthearted critique. Some praised its heartfelt and humorous tone, finding it a fitting tribute. A few pointed out factual inaccuracies in the toast, specifically around dates and the "hitchhiker" moniker. Others found the writing style overly sentimental or saccharine, while some enjoyed its sincerity. A brief thread developed discussing the merits and demerits of Adams' later works, with some expressing disappointment and others defending them. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes about their experiences with Adams' writing and its impact on their lives.
The Discworld, a flat disc carried on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle, operates on narrative causality rather than strict physics. Things happen because the story requires them to, allowing for both humorous and poignant explorations of human nature and society. Magic is real, but unpredictable and often tied to belief, while the conventional laws of science are frequently bent or broken. This unique setting allows Pratchett to satirize everything from fantasy tropes and political structures to philosophy and the nature of belief itself, creating a world that is both absurd and deeply insightful.
The Hacker News comments on "Discworld Rules" largely praise Venkatesh Rao's insightful distillation of Pratchett's narrative style. Several commenters highlight the "rules" about how magic works, specifically the idea of narrative causality and how belief shapes reality on the Discworld. The observation that Discworld satirizes existing tropes and cliches while simultaneously using them effectively also resonated. Some discussion revolved around how these "rules" apply to other fictional worlds and real-world phenomena like religion and politics. A few commenters mentioned their favorite Discworld books and characters, adding a personal touch to the appreciation for Rao's analysis. One commenter aptly summarized the essence of the Discworld as "reality is a negotiable construct."
The post details a surprisingly delightful email exchange between the author and the famously reclusive Edward Gorey. Initiated by the author's simple fan letter expressing admiration for Gorey's work, the correspondence blossomed into a series of witty and whimsical emails. Gorey offered insights into his creative process, shared anecdotes about his cats, and displayed a playful, self-deprecating humor that contrasted sharply with his macabre artistic style. The exchange reveals a warm, engaging personality hidden behind the public persona of the enigmatic artist, offering a glimpse into the private world of Edward Gorey.
Hacker News users discuss the shared enjoyment of discovering hidden details in Gorey's intricate work, highlighting his meticulous cross-referencing and recurring motifs. Some commenters share personal anecdotes of corresponding with Gorey, describing his kindness and unique personality. Others delve into the deeper themes of his work, exploring the macabre humor and existential anxieties present beneath the whimsical surface. The thread also touches upon Gorey's influence on other artists and the enduring appeal of his distinct style. Several users recommend further resources for exploring Gorey's work, such as "Ascending Peculiarity: Edward Gorey on Edward Gorey." Overall, the comments reflect an appreciation for Gorey's artistry and the rich, interconnected world he created.
Agnes Callard's Open Socrates offers a practical philosophy focused on "aspiring." Callard argues that we should actively strive for values we don't yet hold, embracing the difficult process of becoming the kind of person who embodies them. The book explores this through engaging with figures like Socrates and Plato, emphasizing the importance of self-creation and the pursuit of a life guided by reason and critical thinking. While not providing easy answers, it encourages readers to confront their own limitations and actively work towards a better version of themselves.
HN commenters generally express interest in Callard's approach to philosophy as a way of life, rather than just an academic pursuit. Several praise the reviewer's clear explanation of Callard's "aspirational" philosophy. Some discuss their own experiences with transformational learning and self-improvement, echoing Callard's emphasis on actively striving for a better self. A few express skepticism about the practicality or accessibility of her methods, questioning whether her approach is truly novel or simply repackaged ancient wisdom. Others are intrigued by the concept of "proleptic reasons," where present actions are justified by a future, hoped-for self. Overall, the comments reflect a mix of curiosity, cautious optimism, and some doubt regarding the applicability of Callard's philosophical framework.
This New York Times article explores the art of allusion in poetry, examining how poets weave references and quotations into their work to enrich meaning and create layers of interpretation. It discusses the spectrum of allusive techniques, from subtle echoes to direct quotations, and how these references can function as homage, critique, or even a form of dialogue with previous writers. The article emphasizes that effective allusions deepen a poem's resonance, inviting readers to engage with a broader literary landscape and uncover hidden connections, while acknowledging that clumsy or obscure allusions can alienate the audience. Ultimately, the piece suggests that mastering the art of allusion is crucial for poets aiming to create complex and enduring work.
Hacker News users generally agree with the NYT article's premise that allusions enrich poetry but shouldn't be obscure for obscurity's sake. Several commenters highlight the importance of allusions adding layers of meaning and sparking connections for informed readers, while acknowledging the potential for alienating those unfamiliar with the references. Some suggest that successful allusions should be subtly woven into the work, enhancing rather than distracting from the poem's core message. One compelling comment argues that allusions function like hyperlinks, allowing poets to "link" to vast bodies of existing work and enrich the current piece with pre-existing context. Another suggests the value of allusions lies in evoking a specific feeling associated with the referenced work, rather than requiring encyclopedic knowledge of the source. A few users express frustration with overly obscure allusions, viewing them as pretentious and a barrier to enjoyment.
The blog post "Is Atlas Shrugged the New Vibe?" explores the apparent resurgence of Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism and her novel Atlas Shrugged among younger generations, particularly online. The author notes the book's themes of individualism, self-reliance, and skepticism towards government intervention are resonating with some who feel disillusioned with current societal structures and economic systems. However, the post questions whether this renewed interest stems from a genuine understanding of Rand's complex philosophy or a superficial embrace of its "anti-establishment" aesthetic, driven by social media trends. Ultimately, it suggests the novel's resurgence is more a reflection of contemporary anxieties than a deep ideological shift.
HN commenters largely disagree with the premise that Atlas Shrugged is having a resurgence. Several point out that its popularity has remained relatively consistent within certain libertarian-leaning circles and that the author misinterprets familiarity with its concepts (like "going Galt") with a renewed interest in the book itself. Some commenters suggest the article's author is simply encountering the book for the first time and projecting broader cultural relevance onto their personal experience. Others note the book's enduring appeal to specific demographics, like teenagers and those frustrated with perceived societal injustices, but caution against equating this with mainstream popularity. A few commenters offer alternative explanations for the perceived "vibe shift," citing increasing economic anxieties and the appeal of individualist philosophies in times of uncertainty. Finally, several commenters critique the article's writing style and shallow analysis.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43677917
HN commenters react to Vargas Llosa's death with a mix of appreciation and criticism. Some praise his literary contributions, particularly "The War of the End of the World," and his defense of liberal values. Others criticize his political stances, viewing him as too conservative, and some bring up controversial personal life choices. A few commenters note the irony of his death shortly after an erroneous obituary was published. Several discuss his Nobel Prize and his prolific writing career, with some recommending entry points for those unfamiliar with his work. A recurring theme is the contrast between his impressive literary talent and his sometimes questionable political and personal decisions.
The Hacker News post titled "Mario Vargas Llosa has died" links to a New York Times article which appears to be an appraisal of his work rather than an obituary. This has led to significant confusion and discussion in the comments section.
Many of the initial comments express surprise and even disbelief, given the framing of the Hacker News title. Several users point out that the NYT article doesn't mention his death and speculate about a potential error in the headline. Some even suggest checking other sources to confirm the news, highlighting a healthy skepticism towards information presented online.
Once the misunderstanding about the headline is cleared up, the discussion shifts towards Vargas Llosa's literary legacy and political views. Some commenters express admiration for his writing, particularly "The Feast of the Goat" and "Conversation in the Cathedral," while acknowledging his controversial political stances. The discussion delves into his shift from left-leaning views to more conservative ones, with some commenters attributing this change to his experiences with Peruvian politics and the rise of authoritarian regimes.
A few commenters criticize what they perceive as a hagiographic tone in the NYT piece, arguing that it glosses over some of the more problematic aspects of Vargas Llosa's life and career. They mention his public feud with Gabriel García Márquez, his support for controversial political figures, and his sometimes contentious views on cultural and social issues.
There's also a thread discussing the challenges of writing about living authors, particularly those with complex and evolving legacies. One commenter suggests that attempting an overarching appraisal while the subject is still alive can be premature and potentially lead to skewed perspectives.
Overall, the comments section reveals a mixed reaction to Vargas Llosa. While there's widespread recognition of his literary talent, his political views and personal life remain subjects of debate and contention. The confusion caused by the initial headline further underscores the importance of accurate reporting and the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly online.