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.
Ebenezer Clifford, a 19th-century planemaker in Maine, supplemented his income by diving for shipwrecks. He used a diving suit of his own design, featuring a helmet with a glass faceplate and a flexible hose supplying air from the surface. Clifford’s diving exploits, recovering items like anchors and cannons, were well-known locally. He apparently applied his ingenuity to both planemaking and diving, showcasing a remarkable combination of craftsmanship and adventurous spirit.
Hacker News users discussed the intriguing story of Ebenezer Clifford, a planemaker and diving bell inventor. Several commenters focused on the ingenuity of Clifford's diving bell design, particularly its use of a weighted bellows system for air replenishment. Some debated the historical accuracy of attributing the invention solely to Clifford, pointing to earlier diving bell iterations. Others expressed fascination with Clifford's dual professions and the potential connection between woodworking precision and the technical demands of underwater exploration. A few users shared additional resources about early diving technology, highlighting the dangers and limitations of these pioneering devices. The overall sentiment was one of admiration for Clifford's ingenuity and the historical context of his inventions.
In 1943, Squadron Leader Douglas Bader, a double-amputee pilot, was shot down over German-occupied France during Operation Leg. The operation's unique aspect stemmed not from its military objectives, but from Bader's prosthetic legs. The Luftwaffe, respecting Bader's courage and skill, agreed to a British request to drop a replacement leg. This act of chivalry amid war became a testament to Bader's indomitable spirit and the odd moments of humanity that can emerge even in conflict. The replacement leg was ultimately delivered, though not without some near misses and a second, ultimately unnecessary drop.
Hacker News users discussed Douglas Bader's remarkable resilience and skill as a pilot despite his double amputation. Several commenters expressed admiration for his determination to fly again after losing both legs, highlighting the psychological and physical challenges he overcame. Some noted the crucial role of his wife, Thelma, in his recovery and return to flying. The discussion also touched on the advancements in prosthetic technology at the time and Bader's eventual contributions to disability advocacy. A few users shared additional resources, including Bader's autobiography, "Reach for the Sky," and a documentary about his life. One commenter poignantly reflected on the societal shift from viewing disability as a limitation to recognizing the potential for individuals with disabilities to achieve remarkable feats.
Hélène de Beauvoir, younger sister of Simone, was a talented painter whose career was often overshadowed by her famous sibling. Though she moved in the same intellectual circles as Jean-Paul Sartre and Picasso, who even painted her portrait, Hélène forged her own artistic path. This article highlights her skill as a portraitist, capturing the nuances of her subjects' personalities, and celebrates her independent spirit, which led her to choose a different, less conventional life than her sister's. Despite facing sexism within the art world and familial complexities, Hélène's dedication to painting and her unique artistic vision deserve recognition and rediscovery.
Several Hacker News commenters express surprise at not knowing about Hélène de Beauvoir, with some noting that Simone de Beauvoir's fame overshadowed her sister. A few discuss the common phenomenon of siblings of famous individuals being overlooked. One commenter questions the framing of Hélène as "forgotten," pointing out her successful art career and suggesting the article aims to capitalize on Simone's name. Others find the dynamic between the sisters fascinating, particularly Hélène's seemingly more traditional life choices compared to Simone's. There's also some discussion of the article's mention of a supposed romantic relationship between Hélène and Picasso.
Summary of Comments ( 43 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43266129
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.
The Hacker News post titled "Roald Dahl on the death of his daughter (2015)" linking to a Telegraph article about Roald Dahl's experience with the death of his daughter, Olivia, has generated a significant number of comments. Many commenters share their own experiences with childhood illness and loss, expressing empathy for Dahl and his family.
Several comments focus on the devastating impact of measles encephalitis, the illness that claimed Olivia's life. Some commenters discuss the importance of vaccination, reflecting on a time before the widespread availability of the measles vaccine and the tragic consequences of the disease. One commenter points out the historical context, noting that even with the best medical care available at the time, the outcome was often grim. Another commenter sadly recounts a similar experience with a family member lost to measles encephalitis.
There is a discussion on the apparent contradiction between Dahl's advocacy for vaccination after Olivia's death and his earlier skepticism towards medicine. Commenters explore this shift, attributing it to the profound personal impact of his daughter's death. One commenter suggests that experiencing such a loss can drastically alter one's perspective on medical intervention.
Some comments also touch upon the writing process and Dahl's ability to channel his grief into his work. One commenter speculates about whether the loss of his daughter influenced the darker themes present in some of his later stories.
A few comments delve into the medical details of measles encephalitis, sharing information about the neurological complications and the long-term effects on survivors. The discussion also highlights the swiftness with which the disease can progress.
Several commenters express admiration for Dahl's openness about his grief and his subsequent advocacy for vaccination. They praise his willingness to share such a personal and painful experience in hopes of preventing similar tragedies. The raw emotion evident in Dahl's letter resonates with many commenters, who express sympathy and understanding for his loss.
Overall, the comments section is a mix of personal anecdotes, reflections on grief and loss, and discussions about the historical context of measles and its devastating consequences. Many commenters found Dahl's story deeply moving and used the opportunity to share their own experiences and perspectives on childhood illness, vaccination, and the lasting impact of grief.