LessWrong (30+ Karma) [Linkpost] “Book Announcement: The Gentle Romance” by Richard_Ngo
Nov 10, 2025
In this episode, Richard Ngo excitedly unveils his upcoming fiction collection, exploring the struggle for identity amid rapid technological advances. He shares insights about three of his favorite new stories, including Liza's journey in a future inspired by Accelerando and traders grappling with reputational challenges. He also discusses his ambition to push the boundaries of storytelling beyond traditional formats, encouraging listeners to preorder and engage with his work. The blend of AI and humanity promises a captivating read!
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Long Hiatus, New Collection
- Richard Ngo explains it's been eight months since his last story and he hasn't stopped writing fiction.
- He announces releasing his first fiction collection, The Gentle Romance, containing revised stories and new material.
Identity Amid Technological Change
- The stories center on holding identity amid radical technological change, linking personal and societal themes.
- Ngo ties this thread to contemporary experiences and explores it across 22 stories, including three new ones.
Three New Stories Summarized
- Ngo describes three new stories: Lentando, The Biggest Short, and Kuhn's Ladder, each with distinct speculative premises.
- He summarizes their plots: a zero-knowledge consultant, traders trading reputations, and a glitching simulated utopia.
