Frank Herbert's Dune was heavily influenced by T.E. Lawrence's experiences in the Arab Revolt, as depicted in Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Herbert saw parallels between Lawrence's manipulation of Arab tribes against the Ottoman Empire and the potential for ecological and cultural manipulation on a desert planet. The Fremen, like the Bedouin, are desert-dwelling warriors whose culture and survival are intertwined with their harsh environment. Paul Atreides, like Lawrence, becomes a messianic figure, embracing the local customs and leading a rebellion against an oppressive empire. Herbert, however, was wary of the "Lawrence of Arabia" archetype and explored the dangers of unchecked messianic power and the unintended consequences of cultural manipulation, making Paul's journey a cautionary tale rather than a straightforward hero's narrative.
John Siracusa reflects on twenty years of Hypercritical, his influential tech podcast. He acknowledges the show's impact, driven by his rigorous approach to analysis and honest, often critical, perspectives. He also discusses the personal toll of maintaining this level of scrutiny and the evolution of the tech landscape, which has made it increasingly difficult to cover everything with the desired depth. Ultimately, he concludes that it's time to end Hypercritical, emphasizing the need for a break and a shift in focus. He expresses gratitude for his listeners and reflects on the satisfaction derived from producing the show for so long.
Hacker News users discussed Gruber's Hyperspace announcement with cautious optimism. Some expressed excitement about the potential for a truly native Mac writing app built with modern technologies, praising its speed and minimalist design. Several commenters, however, raised concerns about vendor lock-in to Markdown and the subscription model, particularly given Gruber's past stance on subscriptions. Others questioned the long-term viability of relying on iCloud syncing and the lack of collaboration features. A few users pointed out the irony of Gruber creating a closed-source, subscription-based app after his criticisms of similar practices in the past, while others defended his right to change his business model. The lack of an iOS version was also a common complaint. Several commenters compared Hyperspace to other Markdown editors and debated its potential market fit given the existing competition.
Filmmaker Patrick Willems explores the phenomenon of movies that, despite being popular and successful upon release, seem to vanish from cultural memory and conversation. He examines potential reasons for this "half-life" effect, including shifts in comedic sensibilities, evolving social and political contexts that render certain jokes or themes problematic, and the oversaturation of media making it harder for any single work to maintain relevance. Willems uses the 2004 comedy "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" as a primary case study, highlighting how its humor, once widely accepted, might be perceived differently today. He concludes that while some films genuinely age poorly, the cultural half-life is a complex interplay of various factors that can lead to even well-regarded movies fading from the spotlight.
HN commenters discuss the lasting impact of Half-Life and its influence on game design. Several highlight its innovative storytelling, seamless integration of narrative and gameplay, and the groundbreaking use of scripted sequences. Some contrast its minimalist approach with more exposition-heavy modern titles, arguing that Half-Life's environmental storytelling allows for greater player immersion and agency. Others note the impact of its physics engine and AI, and its role in popularizing the FPS genre. The modding community's contribution to the game's longevity is also mentioned, with particular emphasis on Counter-Strike. Several users reminisce about their personal experiences playing Half-Life for the first time and the impact it had on them.
In 1977, French composer David Matthews created a jazz-funk concept album inspired by Frank Herbert's Dune. Commissioned for French radio, this pre-Lynch adaptation features a distinct 70s sound with synthesizers, electric piano, and a driving rhythm section. While incorporating elements of the novel's plot and characters like Paul Atreides and the Fremen, Matthews focuses more on evoking the atmosphere and themes of Arrakis, using original compositions with titles like "The Ceremony of the Sand" and "The Voice of Muad'Dib." This rarely-heard musical interpretation of Dune offers a unique and intriguing alternative to other adaptations.
Hacker News users discuss the surprising existence of a Dune musical by David Matthews, predating the Toto adaptation. Several express curiosity about its sound and availability, with some recalling Matthews' other works like the "Shookfoil" album. Others debate the legality and likelihood of a full release due to copyright issues with the Dune IP. The potential for a "so bad it's good" experience is also mentioned, while a few lament the missed opportunity of a French electronic music adaptation by Heldon. Some question if Matthews' involvement is a hoax, while others confirm his prolific career in library and experimental music. The overall sentiment is a mix of intrigue and skepticism.
Adam Golanski's piece explores a hypothetical "Revenge of the Jedi" directed by David Lynch, imagining how Lynch's surrealist style and thematic obsessions might have transformed the Star Wars saga's conclusion. Golanski analyzes how Lynchian elements like dream logic, grotesque imagery, and explorations of duality could have manifested within the existing narrative framework of Return of the Jedi. He suggests a darker, more psychologically driven film, filled with unsettling visuals and ambiguous morality, contrasting sharply with the relatively straightforward heroism of the original. This imagined Lynchian version delves into the subconscious of characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, potentially offering a more complex and disturbing resolution to their conflict.
Hacker News users discuss Adam Golaski's piece on David Lynch almost directing Return of the Jedi. Several commenters express fascination with this alternate history, pondering how different the film might have been under Lynch's vision. Some highlight the stark contrast between Lynch's surreal style and Star Wars, leading to speculation about a darker, more psychologically driven narrative. Others point out Lynch's aversion to studio interference, questioning whether he could have navigated the pressures of such a large franchise. A few comments mention the existing pre-production work by Ralph McQuarrie and how Lynch's vision might have incorporated or diverged from it. The overall sentiment leans towards intrigued curiosity about a "what if" scenario, acknowledging the improbability but enjoying the thought experiment.
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.
SciPhi, a YC W24 startup, is seeking a Founding AI Research Engineer to build the "copilot for science." This role involves developing AI models for scientific discovery, potentially including tasks like designing experiments, analyzing data, and generating scientific text. Ideal candidates possess strong machine learning expertise, experience with large language models, and a passion for scientific advancement. This is a full-time, remote position offering significant equity and the opportunity to shape the future of scientific research.
HN commenters discuss SciPhi's job posting, expressing skepticism about the extremely broad required skillset, from AI research to frontend and backend development, devops, and even UI/UX design. Some speculate this signals a pre-seed stage startup looking for a "Swiss Army Knife" engineer to handle everything, which could be appealing to some but off-putting to specialists. Others question the feasibility of one person possessing such a diverse range of expertise at a high level. There's also debate on the appropriateness of requesting research publications for such a role and whether the compensation is competitive, given the demands. Several commenters highlight the high bar set by the requirements and the potential for burnout, while others see it as a great opportunity for a generalist to have a significant impact on a new company. The lack of specific research areas mentioned also draws some criticism, with commenters desiring more clarity on SciPhi's focus.
Summary of Comments ( 113 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43248429
Hacker News commenters discuss the influence of T.E. Lawrence on Frank Herbert's Dune, agreeing that the parallels between Lawrence and Paul Atreides are evident. Some highlight Herbert's explicit mention of Lawrence as an inspiration, while others explore the shared themes of cultural manipulation, messianic figures, and the unintended consequences of intervening in foreign cultures. A few commenters delve into the historical context of Lawrence's exploits, offering additional insights into the complex political landscape of the Middle East and its potential reflection in Dune's world-building. One commenter notes Herbert's cynical view of leadership and revolution, suggesting that both Lawrence and Paul ultimately failed due to the inherent flaws in their approaches. Several users also recommend further reading on Lawrence, including his own writings like Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
The Hacker News post linking to the article "Lawrence of Arabia, Paul Atreides, and the roots of Frank Herbert's Dune" has generated a moderate number of comments, exploring various aspects related to the article's theme.
Several comments delve deeper into the historical connection between T.E. Lawrence and the creation of Paul Atreides. One commenter highlights the influence of Lawrence's manipulative tactics and exploitation of religious fervor on Herbert's portrayal of Paul's journey. Another comment expands on this, suggesting Herbert might have seen parallels between Lawrence's later disillusionment and the potential pitfalls of a messianic figure like Paul. A separate comment chain discusses the Fremen's resemblance to various Bedouin tribes Lawrence interacted with, and how their cultural practices and adaptation to harsh desert environments likely inspired Herbert.
Another thread discusses the broader influences on Herbert's writing beyond Lawrence, mentioning the impact of other historical figures and events. One comment mentions the ecological themes present in Dune, suggesting Herbert's concern for environmental issues might have also shaped the narrative. Others point to Herbert's background in journalism and his interest in psychology as contributing factors to the complex characters and themes present in the Dune series.
A few comments critique the article itself, with one commenter pointing out potential inaccuracies or oversimplifications in the article's portrayal of Lawrence's influence. Another commenter expresses a preference for deeper analyses of Herbert's work, suggesting the focus on Lawrence, while interesting, might not be the most crucial aspect of Dune's creation.
Finally, some comments offer tangential observations, like recommendations for further reading on related topics or personal anecdotes about their experiences with the Dune series. One commenter mentions a biography of Lawrence they found insightful, while another shares their initial reaction to reading Dune for the first time.
While there isn't a singular overwhelmingly "compelling" comment that dominates the discussion, the collective conversation offers interesting insights into the historical context, literary influences, and enduring appeal of Frank Herbert's Dune. The comments provide a valuable supplement to the article, adding layers of interpretation and prompting further reflection on the themes explored in the original piece.