Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by mopierotti 672 days ago
True, perhaps "messy" was the wrong word. I think what I was trying to get at was that I feel "There Is No Antimemetics Division" is more accessible for the average reader -- More narrowly focused, with a more immediate hook.

Regarding recommendations similar to Ra, it's not exactly the same thing, but https://unsongbook.com/ is fantastic and has a similar flavor I think.
2 comments
LoganDark 672 days ago
> Regarding recommendations similar to Ra, it's not exactly the same thing, but https://unsongbook.com/ is fantastic and has a similar flavor I think.

The religious references on the actual website (and lack of much real explanation) made it very difficult for me to give it a chance, but I looked it up a bit and it seems like there is more to it than that, so maybe I'll give it a try.

edit: reading the first chapter definitely changed my first impression. It definitely has many similarities to qntm's writing. I will certainly be reading more...

link
cwillu 672 days ago
“Why would God do that?”

“STOP TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE WILL OF GOD,” said Uriel. “IT NEVER HELPS.” --the archangel Uriel

link
LoganDark 672 days ago
Probably one of my favorite parts so far:

> "Are you all right?" Sohu finally asked.

> "I WAS TRYING TO WIGGLE MY EARS."

> Sohu wiggled her ears again.

> "YOU ARE VERY INTERESTING."

> "So will you teach me the kabbalah?"

> "NO."

it's so cute!! I love this

link
mopierotti 670 days ago
You might be the first person that I've recommended Unsong to that actually gave it a chance. :)
link
LoganDark 670 days ago
That's probably because the website doesn't have any hook at all! I had to google the book and find a summary of it in order to actually get curious. Then the first few paragraphs into the first chapter, it had already gotten me. The writing style is almost exactly like that of Ra. And it has over 70 chapters. wonderful!!

also, I love how many references it makes to actual programming; it's always hilarious to see Uriel explaining code bugs in reality.

link
epiccoleman 672 days ago
Unsong is one of my favorite books ever, and the newly released print edition has some nice changes to the "base model" that I enjoyed a lot. The book honestly changed the way I thought about religion. It's fantastic.

(also, I liked Antimemetics, but not Ra, so I will just say I think unsong is leaps and bounds better than Ra)

link
LoganDark 669 days ago
I think Unsong is less math/physics and more just mega nerd. But it has a very very similar vibe. I love it so far (on chapter 20 or so right now).
link