Notes from The Silmarillion
October 22, 2008
When I read The Lord of the Rings, I was endlessly intrigued by the references Tolkien made to the ancient history of Middle-Earth. What had really happened there? Why was it called Middle-Earth? How did the events of LOTR fit...Continue reading...
How Paul Krugman works
October 14, 2008
Insights from the new Nobel laureate: Listen to the Gentiles - “Pay attention to what intelligent people are saying, even if they do not have your customs or speak your analytical language.” Question the question - “In general, if people...Continue reading...
Notes from Anathem
October 13, 2008
Neal Stephenson’s Anathem was inspired by a Long Now Foundation request for designs of a clock that would measure time for 10,000 years. Stephenson’s idea of a societal, rather than mechanical, system was not chosen, but did turn into his...Continue reading...
Notes from 1984
October 09, 2008
1984 is a favorite of mine; I read it at least once every couple years. I think it’s the questioning nature of Winston that gets me, feeling the same emotions myself on a smaller scale. Interestingly in London this summer,...Continue reading...
Notes from Better Off
October 08, 2008
This book tells the tale of two successful city-dwellers, Eric and Mary Brende, who choose to live in an Amish-like community for 18 months. It goes pretty much as you’d expect: they struggle to get going but eventually love the...Continue reading...