The New Statesman article explores the darker, more melancholic undercurrents present in Tove Jansson's Moomin stories, contrasting them with the often perceived simplistic, idyllic image. It highlights themes of existential dread, loneliness, and the acceptance of change and impermanence, particularly focusing on Jansson's own life experiences and struggles reflected in her work. The piece argues that this complexity adds depth and resonance to the Moominvalley world, making it appealing to both children and adults grappling with life's challenges. It ultimately positions the Moomins not as escapist fantasy, but as a nuanced exploration of the human condition.
Elaine Pagels' new book, "Heretic," reviewed in The New Yorker, revisits the enduring fascination with Jesus, even amidst declining Christian belief. Pagels argues that Jesus's radical message of love, forgiveness, and inclusivity, initially appealing to the marginalized, continues to resonate today, divorced from traditional church structures and doctrines. This enduring power stems from the human need for meaning and connection, offering a model for ethical living and social justice that transcends specific religious dogma. The review highlights how Pagels contrasts Jesus's teachings with the evolving, often exclusionary, interpretations imposed by the early Church, particularly Paul, suggesting the original message has been obscured and even betrayed over time.
Hacker News users discuss the complex legacy of Christianity, largely agreeing with the review's premise that its influence is still felt today. Some highlighted the enduring power of religious narratives, even for non-believers. Others pointed out the irony of dismissing Christianity while simultaneously being shaped by its values. Several comments explored the cyclical nature of history, with one user suggesting that humans are inherently drawn to belief systems, even if those systems change over time. A few questioned the reviewer's framing of early Christianity, suggesting it was more diverse than portrayed. There's also a thread examining the role of power structures in shaping religious narratives and their impact on societies throughout history.
Ian Stewart's "The Celts: A Modern History" refutes the romanticized notion of a unified Celtic past. Stewart argues that "Celtic" is a largely modern construct, shaped by 18th and 19th-century romanticism and nationalism. While acknowledging shared linguistic and cultural elements in ancient communities across Europe, he emphasizes their diversity and distinct identities. The book traces how the concept of "Celticism" evolved and was variously appropriated for political and cultural agendas, demonstrating that contemporary interpretations of Celtic identity are far removed from historical realities. Stewart’s rigorous approach deconstructs the persistent myth of a singular Celtic people, presenting a more nuanced and historically accurate view of the dispersed communities labeled "Celtic."
HN commenters largely discuss the problematic nature of defining "Celts," questioning its validity as a unified cultural or ethnic group. Several highlight the anachronistic application of the term, arguing it's a modern construct retroactively applied to disparate groups. Some point to the book's potential value despite this, acknowledging its exploration of how the idea of "Celticness" has been constructed and used throughout history, particularly in relation to national identity. Others suggest alternative readings on the topic or express skepticism towards the review's framing. A recurring theme is the romanticized and often inaccurate portrayal of Celtic history, especially within nationalistic narratives.
"The Maverick's Museum," reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, tells the captivating, if sometimes frustrating, story of Albert Barnes and his unique art collection. Author Henrietta McBurney paints a portrait of a complicated man, driven by both egalitarian ideals and a fiercely independent spirit, which led to both the groundbreaking educational program at his Barnes Foundation and his infamous battles against the Philadelphia art establishment. The book delves into Barnes' unconventional methods, from his focus on aesthetic experience over artistic pedigree to his embrace of African sculpture and Pennsylvania German furniture alongside masterpieces by Renoir and Cézanne. While acknowledging Barnes' flaws and dictatorial tendencies, McBurney ultimately celebrates his visionary approach to collecting and his enduring legacy.
Hacker News users discuss the eccentric Albert Barnes, his unique art collection, and the book reviewing his life. Several commenters express interest in seeing the Barnes Foundation, noting its unusual hanging style and Barnes's specific viewing instructions. Some discuss the tension between preserving an artist's vision and making art accessible to a wider audience, questioning whether Barnes's rigid approach was ultimately beneficial. The debate touches upon the democratization of art and the role of institutions in shaping public access. Others share anecdotes or further information about Barnes, revealing his complex personality and the legal battles surrounding his collection. The overall sentiment seems to be one of intrigue and a desire to learn more about Barnes and his unconventional approach to art collecting.
John Ousterhout contrasts his book "A Philosophy of Software Design" (APoSD) with Robert Martin's "Clean Code," arguing they offer distinct, complementary perspectives. APoSD focuses on high-level design principles for managing complexity, emphasizing modularity, information hiding, and deep classes with simple interfaces. Clean Code, conversely, concentrates on low-level coding style and best practices, addressing naming conventions, function length, and comment usage. Ousterhout believes both approaches are valuable but APoSD's strategic focus on managing complexity in larger systems is more critical for long-term software success than Clean Code's tactical advice. He suggests developers benefit from studying both, prioritizing APoSD's broader design philosophy before implementing Clean Code's stylistic refinements.
HN commenters largely agree with Ousterhout's criticisms of "Clean Code," finding many of its rules dogmatic and unproductive. Several commenters pointed to specific examples from the book that they found counterproductive, like the single responsibility principle leading to excessive class fragmentation, and the obsession with short functions and methods obscuring larger architectural issues. Some felt that "Clean Code" focuses too much on low-level details at the expense of higher-level design considerations, which Ousterhout emphasizes. A few commenters offered alternative resources on software design they found more valuable. There was some debate over the value of comments, with some arguing that clear code should speak for itself and others suggesting that comments serve a crucial role in explaining intent and rationale. Finally, some pointed out that "Clean Code," while flawed, can be a helpful starting point for junior developers, but should not be taken as gospel.
This blog post highlights the surprising foresight of Samuel Butler's 1879 writings, which anticipate many modern concerns about artificial general intelligence (AGI). Butler, observing the rapid evolution of machines, extrapolated to a future where machines surpass human intelligence, potentially inheriting the Earth. He explored themes of machine consciousness, self-replication, competition with humans, and the blurring lines between life and machine. While acknowledging the benefits of machines, Butler pondered their potential to become the dominant species, subtly controlling humanity through dependence. He even foresaw the importance of training data and algorithms in shaping machine behavior. Ultimately, Butler's musings offer a remarkably prescient glimpse into the potential trajectory and inherent risks of increasingly sophisticated AI, raising questions still relevant today about humanity's role in its own technological future.
Hacker News commenters discuss the limitations of predicting the future, especially regarding transformative technologies like AGI. They point out Samuel Butler's prescient observations about machines evolving and potentially surpassing human intelligence, while also noting the difficulty of foreseeing the societal impact of such developments. Some highlight the exponential nature of technological progress, suggesting we're ill-equipped to comprehend its long-term implications. Others express skepticism about the timeline for AGI, arguing that Butler's vision remains distant. The "Darwin among the Machines" quote is questioned as potentially misattributed, and several commenters note the piece's failure to anticipate the impact of digital computing. There's also discussion around whether intelligence alone is sufficient for dominance, with some emphasizing the importance of factors like agency and access to resources.
"The Licensing Racket," by Philip Hamburger, exposes the pervasive and often absurd world of occupational licensing in America. Hamburger argues that these boards, ostensibly designed to protect the public, frequently serve as protectionist barriers for existing practitioners, stifling competition and harming consumers with higher prices and reduced access to services. He details the often arbitrary and onerous requirements imposed on aspiring professionals, from florists and interior designers to fortune tellers, illustrating how these regulations disproportionately impact lower-income individuals seeking economic advancement. The book ultimately calls for a reassessment of the necessity and scope of occupational licensing, advocating for deregulation and a return to more open markets.
Hacker News users generally agree with the premise of the WSJ article, lamenting the excessive licensing requirements across various professions. Several commenters share personal anecdotes of burdensome and seemingly pointless licensing procedures. Some highlight the anti-competitive nature of these boards, suggesting they serve primarily to protect established professionals and inflate prices. Others point to the variability of licensing requirements across states as further evidence of their arbitrary nature. A few commenters discuss potential solutions, including deregulation and national reciprocity agreements, while acknowledging the difficulty of implementing meaningful reform. The discussion also touches upon the historical context of licensing, with some suggesting it originated as a way to ensure quality and protect consumers, but has since morphed into a protectionist racket.
Jonathan Crary's "Superbloom" argues that the relentless pursuit of seamless technological connection, exemplified by platforms like Zoom and social media, has paradoxically fragmented our experience of reality. Crary posits that these technologies, promising increased interaction, instead foster alienation by reducing human experience to quantifiable data points and encouraging a constant state of distraction. This constant connectivity degrades our capacity for focused attention, critical thinking, and genuine engagement with the world, ultimately hindering the development of individual subjectivity and shared social realities. The book urges a critical reassessment of our relationship with these technologies and advocates for reclaiming our agency in shaping a more meaningful and less atomized future.
HN commenters largely disagree with the premise of the review and the book it covers ("Superbloom"). Several argue the reviewer misrepresents or misunderstands the book's arguments, especially regarding technology's role in societal fragmentation. Some suggest the reviewer's nostalgia for pre-internet community blinds them to the downsides of those times, like geographic limitations and social conformity. Others point out that "technologies of connection" are tools, and blaming them for societal issues is like blaming hammers for violence. A few commenters mention the irony of discussing connection and disconnection on a platform designed for connection, highlighting the complexity of the issue. The most compelling comments offer alternative perspectives on how technology impacts community, emphasizing individual agency and the potential for both positive and negative consequences depending on usage.
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.
Summary of Comments ( 13 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43672593
HN users discuss the inherent darkness present in Tove Jansson's Moomin stories, agreeing with the article's premise. Several commenters share personal anecdotes about how the books resonated with them during difficult times, highlighting the Groke as a particularly potent symbol of loneliness and depression. Some point out that the seemingly idyllic Moominvalley frequently faces existential threats, mirroring the anxieties of post-war Finland. Others mention Jansson's own life experiences and struggles as reflected in the stories. The discussion also touches on the different interpretations possible depending on the reader's age and life stage, with the Moomins offering comfort and relatable themes for both children and adults.
The Hacker News post titled "The Dark Side of the Moomins" (linking to a New Statesman article about Tove Jansson and her Moomin series) has generated a moderate number of comments, many of which offer personal reflections on the Moomins and Jansson's work.
Several commenters discuss their experiences with the Moomin books and animations, highlighting the perceived darkness or melancholy that underlies the seemingly whimsical surface. Some users suggest this duality is part of the series' enduring appeal, allowing it to resonate with both children and adults on different levels. One commenter mentions how the books explore complex themes like existentialism and the acceptance of life's difficulties, contrasting this with the more sanitized versions often presented in animated adaptations.
Another thread of discussion focuses on Tove Jansson herself and the biographical context of her work. Commenters point out the influence of World War II and Finland's precarious geopolitical position on Jansson's writing, suggesting these external pressures shaped the underlying anxieties and themes present in the Moomin stories. One user notes the potential connection between Jansson's personal struggles, including her complex family relationships and societal attitudes towards her sexuality, and the themes of otherness and finding one's place explored within the Moomin world.
Some comments also touch on the different interpretations and adaptations of the Moomins across various media, acknowledging that some versions may downplay or omit certain aspects of the original books' complexity. This leads to a discussion about the challenges of adapting nuanced literary works for a broader audience, particularly when targeting children.
A few commenters recommend specific Moomin books or stories that they feel exemplify the darker or more melancholic aspects of the series, such as "Comet in Moominland" and "Moominpappa at Sea." These recommendations serve as a starting point for other users interested in exploring the deeper themes present within the Moomin universe.
Overall, the comments reflect an appreciation for the depth and complexity of Tove Jansson's work, acknowledging the coexistence of lighthearted whimsy and underlying darkness within the Moomin stories. The discussion offers personal perspectives on the series' enduring appeal and the influence of Jansson's life and times on her writing.