Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people[2][5][4].
In 'Return of the Strong Gods,' R.R. Reno argues that the post-war consensus, which aimed to create an 'open society' free from the dogmas that led to World War II, is breaking down. He contends that the strong gods—powerful loyalties to nation, clan, and religion—are returning as people seek meaning and community. Reno traces the historical roots of this shift, critiquing the relativism and multiculturalism that have eroded traditional values. He advocates for a return to classic human values such as patriotism, family, and historic Christianity, warning that the absence of these strong gods could invite darker alternatives[1][4][5].
In this book, Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler present a contrarian view that the future is brighter than commonly perceived. They document how exponential technologies, DIY innovators, technophilanthropists, and the rising billion (the world's poor empowered by modern communication technology) are conspiring to solve global problems such as access to clean water, food, energy, healthcare, education, and freedom. The authors provide examples and strategic roadmaps for governments, industries, and entrepreneurs to address these challenges, offering a optimistic outlook on the potential for technological innovation to improve human living standards[2][4][5].
Published in 1949, 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' is a cautionary tale set in a future where the world is divided into three totalitarian super-states: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. The novel follows Winston Smith, a minor functionary in the Ministry of Truth in Oceania, who begins to question the all-pervasive authority of the Party and its leader, Big Brother. Winston's rebellion, fueled by his forbidden love affair with Julia and his interest in the mysterious Brotherhood, ultimately leads to his capture and brutal reeducation by the Thought Police. The novel explores themes of mass surveillance, censorship, and the manipulation of truth, serving as a powerful warning about the dangers of unaccountable governments and the erosion of individual freedom and dignity.
@DamienWalter James Bond in 2025 is a problem https://youtu.be/Hf7zfeyolpM?si=wrR8IWWSRInSDG_z
High Noon vs James Bond: Generative Future vs Self-Actualization: Hero's Journey Isn't about You https://youtu.be/PXpB6e-PBPc?si=LclHkvdzuqYK7zmi
@LikeStoriesofOld The Death of Hollywood's Liberal Fantasy https://youtu.be/sJjODY-PyJY?si=CgLWbUtPPIoDa-2i
@AltShiftX Watchmen Explained (original comic) https://youtu.be/wJmg0uc3CjY?si=lzFX3q7Bwipfot2G
@transfigured3673 Nate Hile - The Christian Roots of Liberalism and its discontents https://youtu.be/kORI4ugdHOw?si=5WLMvtRBdRhnGKKl
Tim Keller end of Christendom Secularity @CareyNieuwhof Tim Keller on the Rise + Fall of the American Evangelical Church, Pastoral Failures, and Forgiveness https://youtu.be/M8BGvstBJUw?si=7uk0x-RMkztuj7Qw
@InterestingTimesNYT A.I., Mars and Immortality: Are We Dreaming Big Enough? | Interesting Times with Ross Douthat https://youtu.be/vV7YgnPUxcU?si=1ASlsYT5-Eb415wD
@winston_marshall The REAL Danger Of The Post WWII Consensus And Is It Too Late? | Jonathan Pageau https://youtu.be/-Ug88C6Zgcs?si=3H9ix8OdtCL-DgaB
Midwestuary Conference August 22-24 in Chicago https://www.midwestuary.com/
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