LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Review: Planecrash” by L Rudolf L
Dec 28, 2024
Dive into a bizarre blend of fantasy and logic where math lectures sneak into a whimsical narrative. Discover characters navigating the chaotic realm of Dath-Elon, grappling with competence and decision theory. Explore philosophical musings on rationality that question conventional thinking and governance challenges. The intriguing dynamic between superintelligent beings and human emotions unfolds, leading to quirky tangents and deep reflections. It’s a wild journey that fuses intellectual rigor with storytelling.
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Plane Crash Setup
- Keltham, from the advanced world Dath Elon, dies and wakes up in the medieval fantasy world Keliaks.
- Unaware of Keliaks' hellish rulers, he tries to start scientific and industrial revolutions.
Characters in Planecrash
- Keltham's verbose, polysyllabic dialogue reflects his unique thought processes, not random technobabble.
- Carissa Sever's character arc showcases impressive grit and ambition.
Competence in Planecrash
- Plane Crash emphasizes competence; characters are generally intelligent and effective, even villains.
- Evil isn't portrayed as dumb, but as competently pursuing different, unaligned goals.
