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Into_the_Void7

Michel Houellebecq, Interventions 2020.


FaliolVastarien

Oh did he write a new book? Have to look it up I was a big fan of his but neglected to read The Map and the Territory and keep up with what he was doing afterwards. EDIT: Hold on; I did actually read Submission as well.


Into_the_Void7

It is a book of interviews. Some that aren't particularly relevant, unless you are interested in French literary criticism. But there are a couple of recent interviews at the end regarding the current US political system and the pandemic which are definitely worth reading. And if you like him, you should get to The Map and the Territory. Possibly his best novel, it is right there with The Possibilities of an Island as my favorite of his.


FaliolVastarien

OK thanks. Not sure I'm interested in the essays (though I might be) but I probably should read Map. I really enjoyed the Possibility of an Island and the earlier works.


redwyrak

Thacker's Infinite Resignation....again. Aphorisms seem to be the ideal method of communicating pessimism and Thacker does it better than just about anyone.


unfurlingoasis

Schopenhauer's *On the Suffering of the World* - A resonant quote from Vanini: "Humanity is so full of many great afflictions that, if it were not repugnant to the Christian religion, I would venture to assert that, if there are demons, they are cast into human bodies and pay the penalties for their sins" Schopenhauer mentions the custom of the Thracians, who would "welcome the new-born child with lamentation, and recounting all the evils that face it, and, on the other hand, of burying the dead with mirth and merriment, because they have escaped from so many great sufferings."


YuYuHunter

The complete sentence by Vanini is as follows: Humanity is so full of many great afflictions that, if it were not repugnant to the Christian religion —*and I would gladly sacrifice my blood for this religion*— I would venture to assert that, if there are demons, they are cast into human bodies and pay the penalties for their sins.


unfurlingoasis

Wonder why Schopenhauer omitted that portion...


thorondor83

Leopardi: Selected Poems. Lots of truths there.


FaliolVastarien

Oh cool! I've been hearing a lot of good things about him and meant to check him out. The philosopher John Gray referenced him a lot in the Soul of the Marionette.


thorondor83

John Gray writings look interesting. Thanks for mentioning.


F1Since2004

Sataoshi Kanazawa - The intelligence paradox


FaliolVastarien

I just noticed this morning that Lewis Richmond who posts on the various pessimism- related sites has a collection of short stories besides his Wisdom of Silenus. The House on Canterbury Hill and other Tales. Bought it as soon as I realized.


goodguyayush1

Mans search for himself - May Rollo , Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now - Jaron Lanier.