Jia Tolentino's "In Its Purest Form," explores the evolution and cultural impact of reality television. She argues that reality TV, initially lauded for its potential for unscripted authenticity, has morphed into a highly constructed and exploitative genre that mirrors and amplifies toxic societal dynamics. The essay traces this transformation through examples like "An American Family" and "The Real World," highlighting how the pursuit of "reality" has become increasingly intertwined with performance, manipulation, and the commodification of personal trauma. Ultimately, Tolentino suggests that reality TV's current iteration, characterized by influencer culture and carefully curated online personas, reflects a broader cultural obsession with self-presentation and the blurring of the lines between genuine experience and manufactured drama.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Colin Burrow's "Ogres Are Cool" argues that ogres, far from being simply monstrous, embody complex and often contradictory cultural anxieties. From their ambiguous origins in folklore to their modern depictions in children's stories and film, ogres reflect evolving societal fears about the other – encompassing foreignness, wildness, and the blurring of human/animal boundaries. The ogre's cannibalism, a defining characteristic, taps into primal fears of consumption and the violation of social taboos, while simultaneously offering a perverse fascination with transgression. Ultimately, the enduring appeal of the ogre lies in its capacity to embody these anxieties in a figure that is both terrifying and strangely compelling.
HN users largely agree with the author's premise that ogres are experiencing a cultural resurgence, moving away from purely monstrous depictions. Several commenters highlight Shrek as the pivotal turning point, making ogres sympathetic and even heroic. Some discuss the etymology of "ogre," linking it to Hungarian and historical figures like Attila the Hun. Others explore the shifting portrayals of ogres in various media, from Tolkien to Dungeons & Dragons, noting their complex and sometimes contradictory nature (brutal yet family-oriented). A few users push back, arguing that ogres have always had a multifaceted presence in folklore, predating Shrek. There's also a brief discussion of other "monster" rehabilitations in popular culture.
The article "Who's Afraid of Tom Wolfe?" explores the mixed critical reception of Tom Wolfe's fiction, particularly focusing on A Man in Full. While acknowledging Wolfe's journalistic talent and cultural influence, the author dissects the criticisms leveled against his novels: simplistic prose, cartoonish characters, and sprawling, unwieldy plots. The piece ultimately suggests that the negative reactions stem from a discomfort with Wolfe's satirical portrayal of societal elites and his embrace of realism, which challenges prevailing literary trends favoring minimalism and postmodernism. Wolfe's ambition and popularity, the article implies, threaten the established literary guard, leading to a dismissive attitude toward his work despite its insightful social commentary.
HN commenters largely agree that Wolfe's decline in quality began after A Man in Full, with some attributing it to his reliance on formulaic social satire and others to his adoption of a more conservative viewpoint. Several suggest that his earlier works like The Right Stuff and The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test remain classics of New Journalism, praising Wolfe's immersive reporting and energetic prose. Some counter that Wolfe's work was always shallow, stylistic flourish over substance, and enjoyed more popularity than deserved. A few commenters discuss his influence on other writers and the legacy of New Journalism more broadly. One highly upvoted comment notes the irony of Wolfe, who mocked academia, now being the subject of academic analysis.
Neal Stephenson's "Wrong 5" argues that Thomas More's Utopia hypocritically condemns individual acquisitiveness while simultaneously advocating for England's imperial expansion and resource extraction under the guise of "improvement." More portrays Utopians as morally superior for rejecting private property, yet Stephenson contends this stance ignores the exploitative nature of acquiring resources and labor to establish and maintain Utopia's seemingly idyllic state. He highlights the inherent contradiction of More, a wealthy lawyer serving a rapacious empire, decrying individual greed while remaining silent about the systemic greed driving England's colonial ambitions. Essentially, Stephenson posits that Utopia serves as a veiled justification for powerful entities seizing resources under the pretense of societal betterment, a process mirroring England's contemporary actions.
The Hacker News comments generally agree with Stephenson's critique of Thomas More's Utopia, finding his vision naive and impractical. Several commenters point out the hypocrisy of More's personal wealth and position contrasting with the communist ideals he espouses in Utopia. Some discuss the inherent difficulties and contradictions in attempting to design a perfect society, citing issues of human nature and the potential for tyranny. Others find value in utopian thought experiments, even if flawed, as they can spark discussion and inspire incremental improvements. A few commenters delve into More's religious context and the historical influences on his writing, suggesting that modern interpretations may miss nuances of his intent. One commenter highlights the darkly satirical elements of Utopia, arguing that it shouldn't be taken entirely at face value.
Stephanie Yue Duhem's essay argues that the virality of Rupi Kaur's poetry stems from its easily digestible, relatable, and emotionally charged content, rather than its literary merit. Duhem suggests that Kaur's work resonates with a broad audience precisely because it avoids complex language and challenging themes, opting instead for simple, declarative statements about common experiences like heartbreak and trauma. This accessibility, combined with visually appealing formatting on social media, contributes to its widespread appeal. Essentially, Duhem posits that Kaur’s work, and other similar viral poetry, thrives not on its artistic depth, but on its capacity to be readily consumed and shared as easily digestible emotional content.
Hacker News users generally agreed with the article's premise, finding the discussed poem simplistic and lacking depth. Several commenters dissected the poem's flaws, citing its predictable rhyming scheme, cliché imagery, and unoriginal message. Some suggested the virality stems from relatable, easily digestible content that resonates with a broad audience rather than poetic merit. Others discussed the nature of virality itself, suggesting algorithms amplify mediocrity and that the poem's success doesn't necessarily reflect its quality. A few commenters defended the poem, arguing that its simplicity and emotional resonance are valuable, even if it lacks sophisticated poetic techniques. The discussion also touched on the democratization of poetry through social media and the subjective nature of art appreciation.
John McPhee's "The Pinball Philosophy" explores the world of competitive pinball through the lens of Roger Sharpe, a top-ranked player in 1970s New York City. The piece delves into the intense focus, strategy, and almost mystical approach Sharpe takes to the game, highlighting the nuanced skills involved beyond mere luck. It contrasts his zen-like calm and calculated nudges with the frenetic energy of pinball parlors, ultimately portraying pinball not as a mindless pastime, but as a demanding game of skill requiring precision, anticipation, and a deep understanding of the machine's mechanics. Sharpe's pursuit of mastery reveals a unique subculture where dedicated players strive for perfect games and fleeting moments of control in a world of chaos and flashing lights.
HN users largely enjoyed McPhee's writing style, praising its evocative descriptions and engaging narrative. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes about pinball, reflecting on its enduring appeal and the unique focus it demands. Some discussed the cultural and historical context of pinball, including its past association with gambling and its resurgence as a hobby. A few users expressed interest in the technical aspects of pinball machine design and operation. The overall sentiment was positive, with many commenters appreciating the rediscovery of this older article. A couple noted the philosophical connections McPhee makes, linking pinball to broader life lessons about skill, chance, and persistence.
Fraser McDonald's diary entry in the London Review of Books reflects on the centenary of Nan Shepherd's birth and the enduring power of her nature writing, particularly The Living Mountain. McDonald contrasts Shepherd's intimate, embodied experience of the Cairngorms with the more detached, scientific approach of contemporary nature writers like Robert Macfarlane. He emphasizes Shepherd's focus on direct sensory perception and her rejection of anthropomorphism, highlighting her unique ability to merge with the mountain landscape and find a profound sense of belonging within it. The piece also touches upon Shepherd's other works, including her poetry and novels, and her dedication to representing the distinct character of Northeast Scotland.
HN commenters largely appreciate the diary excerpt focusing on Nan Shepherd's nature writing and her connection to the Cairngorms. Several share personal experiences of reading Shepherd's work, particularly "The Living Mountain," praising its evocative descriptions and philosophical insights. Some discuss the challenges of modern nature writing, contrasting it with Shepherd's focus on immersive observation and internal reflection. A few commenters also touch on the beauty of the Cairngorms themselves, recommending visits and sharing related resources. The overall sentiment is one of admiration for Shepherd's writing and the power of nature to inspire deep connection.
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.
Summary of Comments ( 4 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43678116
Hacker News users discuss the LA Review of Books article on competitive programming, largely agreeing with its portrayal of the intense, often isolating, nature of the field. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes reflecting the article's themes, including burnout, the pressure to specialize early, and the disconnect between competitive programming skills and practical software development. Some debated the value of competitive programming, with some arguing it hones specific skills while others questioned its real-world applicability. The prevalence of cheating and the focus on speed over elegant solutions were also criticized. A few commenters offered alternative competitive platforms or learning approaches that prioritize collaboration and broader software development skills.
The Hacker News post titled "In Its Purest Form," linking to an LA Review of Books article about competitive programming, generated a moderate discussion with 18 comments. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes and perspectives related to competitive programming.
One commenter recounts their experience participating in the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC), emphasizing the intense time pressure and the strategic element of choosing which problems to tackle first. They highlight the satisfaction of solving problems quickly and efficiently, drawing a parallel to the thrill of optimizing code for performance. This commenter also acknowledges the limitations of competitive programming, noting that it doesn't necessarily translate directly to real-world software development skills.
Another commenter questions the article's framing of competitive programming as purely about problem-solving speed, arguing that elegant and maintainable code is also valued, particularly in later stages like the World Finals. This commenter suggests the article may focus too narrowly on the initial qualifying rounds.
A different user shares their perspective on the difference between competitive programming and practical software engineering. They point out that competitive programming focuses on finding a solution, while real-world development often involves finding the best solution among many possibilities, considering factors like maintainability and scalability. This distinction is further emphasized by another commenter who mentions the importance of understanding business requirements and user needs in real-world software development, aspects that are absent in competitive programming.
Several other comments offer brief observations, including one suggesting that the enjoyment of competitive programming is akin to the pleasure of solving puzzles or riddles. Another commenter highlights the importance of teamwork in the ICPC format. One user simply expresses their enjoyment of the linked article. Finally, a couple of comments offer additional resources related to competitive programming.
While the discussion isn't particularly extensive, it offers a range of perspectives on the nature of competitive programming, its appeal, and its limitations compared to practical software development. The most compelling comments provide personal insights into the experience of competitive programming and offer nuanced comparisons to the broader field of software engineering.