This book presents a stunning collection of Hafiz's most intimate poems, translated and interpreted by Daniel Ladinsky. It imparts the wonderful qualities of Hafiz as a spiritual teacher, including an audacious love, profound knowledge, wild generosity, and a sweet, playful genius. The poems explore themes of the beloved, faith, and exposing hypocrisy, and are known for their ability to encourage love, happiness, and a deep spiritual connection. Although Ladinsky's renderings are not traditional translations but rather modern interpretations, they have been praised for their accessibility and timeless appeal[1][3][4].
In this book, David Graeber argues that debt has a much longer history than money and that it has played a central role in shaping human societies. He debunks the myth of barter as the precursor to money, instead proposing that credit systems and debt were the primary means of trade. Graeber examines how debt has been used as a tool for social control, influenced law, religion, and politics, and has led to periodic crises and debtor revolts throughout history. The book also discusses the moral and social implications of debt, suggesting that the concept of debt is more complex than a simple economic transaction[1][2][4].
Gifts and Commodities describes the transformation from a society where people made most of what they used or obtained through local trade to one dominated by consumerism and retail. The book examines the distinctions between the impersonal economic sphere and the personal social sphere, and how these distinctions have evolved. It uses aspects of anthropology and sociology to analyze the importance of shopping and gift-giving in Western economies, highlighting the social meanings of these practices and their impact on relationships between individuals and their social groups.
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 'The Gift', Marcel Mauss explores the concept of gift exchange in various cultures, particularly in societies without monetary exchange or legal structures. He argues that gifts are not freely given but are part of a complex system of social obligations involving giving, receiving, and reciprocating. Mauss examines practices such as the potlatch among North American peoples and the kula in Melanesia, emphasizing the role of gifts in binding people together in a web of reciprocal commitments. The book also discusses the spiritual and economic implications of gift-giving, highlighting its significance in understanding social relations and cultural practices.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne introduces the concept of the law of attraction, which suggests that positive thoughts can attract positive outcomes in life. The book outlines a three-step process: ask, believe, and receive. Byrne emphasizes the importance of gratitude, visualization, and maintaining a positive mindset to achieve one's desires. The book covers various areas such as prosperity, relationships, health, and happiness, and includes examples and quotes from historical and modern-day teachers who have allegedly used this principle to achieve their goals[2][3][5].
Author's note: This is my apparently-annual "I'll put a post on LessWrong in honor of LessOnline" post. These days, my writing goes on my Substack. There have in fact been some pretty cool essays since last year's LO post.
Structural note:
Some essays are like a five-minute morning news spot. Other essays are more like a 90-minute lecture.
This is one of the latter. It's not necessarily complex or difficult; it could be a 90-minute lecture to seventh graders (especially ones with the right cultural background).
But this is, inescapably, a long-form piece, à la In Defense of Punch Bug or The MTG Color Wheel. It takes its time. It doesn’t apologize for its meandering (outside of this disclaimer). It asks you to sink deeply into a gestalt, to drift back and forth between seemingly unrelated concepts until you start to feel the way those concepts weave together [...]
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Outline:(02:30) 0. Introduction
(10:08) A list of truths and dares
(14:34) Act I
(14:37) Scene I: How The Water Tastes To The Fishes
(22:38) Scene II: The Chip on Mitchell's Shoulder
(28:17) Act II
(28:20) Scene I: Bent Out Of Shape
(41:26) Scene II: Going Stag, But Like ... Together?
(48:31) Scene III: Patterns, Projections, and Preconceptions
(01:02:04) Interlude: The Sound of One Hand Clapping
(01:05:45) Act III
(01:05:56) Scene I: Memetic Traps (Or, The Battle for the Soul of Morty Smith)
(01:27:16) Scene II: The problem with Rhonda Byrne's 2006 bestseller The Secret
(01:32:39) Scene III: Escape velocity
(01:42:26) Act IV
(01:42:29) Scene I: Boy, putting Zack Davis's name in a header will probably have Effects, huh
(01:44:08) Scene II: Whence Wholesomeness?
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First published: May 29th, 2025
Source: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/TQ4AXj3bCMfrNPTLf/truth-or-dare ---
Narrated by
TYPE III AUDIO.
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Images from the article:
LessWrong (Curated & Popular) 
