LIGHTSPEED MAGAZINE - Science Fiction and Fantasy Story Podcast (Sci-Fi | Audiobook | Short Stories) "Eyes Grown Thick on the World" by Will McMahon + "The Twenty-One Second God" by Peter Watts
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Jun 5, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Stefan Rudnicki, a Grammy-winning audiobook producer and narrator, reads two thought-provoking stories. "Eyes Grown Thick on the World" explores the intricate relationships between a mother and her multi-conscious child in a mystical setting. Meanwhile, "The Twenty-One Second God" delves into existential themes of surveillance and autonomy in a tech-driven world. The narratives challenge listeners to reflect on grief, identity, and our connection to technology and each other.
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Unique Multiple-Body Births
- In Nanrok, infants are born with multiple bodies sharing a single consciousness.
- The community embraces shared life experiences across various forms, including plants and animals.
The 21-Second God Emerges
- The 21-second blackout erased individual consciousness, creating a transient hive mind called the 21-second God.
- This brief collective intelligence had a profound global impact before disappearing.
Consciousness and Survival Needs
- Consciousness acts as a delivery system for feelings that arise from survival needs.
- The brain reduces errors by minimizing conscious self, seeking perfection in knowledge.