Warning: Unpopular Posts Coming
Three topics have been stirring in my head for the last few weeks; three topics I want to write about, but which I think could cause bafflement or unease which I’m reluctant to provoke.
Topic 1: Failure
I want to explore my feelings of personal failure: where are they justified, where not. Probably feelings of failure are inescapable, particularly at a time of break-neck cultural dissolution. Still, I worry that this piece might upset my family. (Actually, I’m coming round to the view that they shouldn’t be upset by this topic.)
Topic 2: Red Mars
The first in the Mars trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson. I first read this maybe a decade ago. It seemed then an interesting but unrealistically detailed account of how the early years of Mars colonization might start out with all the hopes of a new civilization, and a new man, and how that develops and corrupts. Ten years ago, it seemed only an intriguing fable. Re-reading it now is nothing less than deeply unsettling. Want to bet against Elon Musk starting Mars colonization some time in the reachable future? I don’t. Reason why this piece might upset people: ‘Oh god, he’s turning into a sci-fi fanboi.’
Topic 3: The Lord’s Prayer
Has there ever been a more fascinating, astonishing set of words that have been dissolved by over-use? Yet taken at face value, this is God teach us how to pray. Such economy, such power, such clarity. Reason why this piece might upset people: ‘Oh god, he’s going all religious on us.’
Well, stand by, these piece won’t stay on the reservation for ever.