AutumnW (30th August 2024), Dorjezigzag (26th October 2024), grapevine (31st August 2024), Jamie (13th December 2024), Pam (31st August 2024)
I don't believe anything, but I have many suspicions. - Robert Anton Wilson
The present as you think of it, and in practical working terms, is that point at which you select your physical experience from all those events that could be materialized. - Seth (The Nature of Personal Reality - Session 656, Page 293)
(avatar image: Brocken spectre, a wonderful phenomenon of nature I have experienced and a symbol for my aspirations.)
AutumnW (30th August 2024), Dorjezigzag (26th October 2024), grapevine (31st August 2024), Jamie (13th December 2024), Pam (31st August 2024)
I just finished Heinlein's Expanded Universe, which completes my reading of his written works, as well as his 1200 page authorized biography.Posted by Dorjezigzag (here)
In my video at the beginning of the thread, I discuss the movie Starship Troopers which pits humanity against an alien insect society and
poignantly shows us we are not so different. The writer of the book the film was based on was Robert A. Heinlein who explored the idea that humans might be becoming more insect-like, both within and outside his science fiction works. One of the most notable places where he discussed this concept in non-fiction is in his 1959 lecture titled "The Pragmatics of Patriotism." In this speech, Heinlein touched on the idea that human societies might evolve in ways that increasingly resemble insect colonies, particularly with regard to social organization, conformity, and the subordination of individual needs to the collective.
Heinlein’s fascination with this concept is also evident in his later interviews and essays. He expressed concerns about the potential for human societies to become too regimented, bureaucratic, and dehumanized—qualities that he saw as resembling insect colonies. This theme is a recurring one in his speculative fiction, such as in Starship Troopers and The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, where he explores the tension between individualism and collectivism.
"Grok," the name of X AI's chatbot, is derived from a word that Robert A. Heinlein coined. The term "grok" first appeared in Heinlein's 1961 science fiction novel Stranger in a Strange Land.
Meaning of "Grok":
In the novel, "grok" comes from the Martian language and is a complex term that means much more than just understanding something. To "grok" something means to comprehend it fully and deeply, to the point of becoming one with it. It implies an almost instinctive, holistic understanding that transcends mere intellectual grasp.
The word has since entered popular culture, especially among tech enthusiasts and programmers, where it often signifies an intuitive or deep understanding of a concept.
Connection to X AI:
Elon Musk's AI company, named its chatbot "Grok" likely to emphasize the chatbot's capability for deep learning and understanding, drawing on the rich connotations of the term coined by Heinlein. The name suggests that the AI aims to comprehend and interact with users in a way that goes beyond surface-level responses, aligning with the meaning of "grok" as a profound and complete understanding.
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Started reading Heinlein's juveniles in 3rd grade when found in my grammar school library, 60 years ago. After retiring I caught up on his later works which I had not found time for previously.
His early books were what got me interested in reading (and especially science fiction and speculative fiction), and his ideas and storytelling always entertained me.
Recommend The Moon is a Harsh Mistress and of course Stranger in a Strange Land (original uncut version), both of which I reread in last couple of years, for anyone looking to check him out.
Really wish these 2 would get made into high-quality movies....
I first read Stranger in high school, staying up all night to finish rather than studying or resting for next day final exams, showing where my priorities were at the time.
If you really want to go deep into his later work, look up the best order to read them as numerous books and stories have interrelated characters and stories.
Recently watched this time-travel movie made from a short-story of his:
Predestination is a 2014 Australian science fiction action-thriller film[4] written and directed by Michael and Peter Spierig. The film stars Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, and Noah Taylor, and is based on the 1959 short story " '—All You Zombies—'" by Robert A. Heinlein.
Last edited by mountain_jim; 31st August 2024 at 14:33.
I don't believe anything, but I have many suspicions. - Robert Anton Wilson
The present as you think of it, and in practical working terms, is that point at which you select your physical experience from all those events that could be materialized. - Seth (The Nature of Personal Reality - Session 656, Page 293)
(avatar image: Brocken spectre, a wonderful phenomenon of nature I have experienced and a symbol for my aspirations.)
AutumnW (30th August 2024), Dorjezigzag (26th October 2024), Ewan (31st August 2024), grapevine (31st August 2024), Pam (31st August 2024)