And see:
Augustus And Argos
The Discovery Of The Past II
Completely unexpectedly, Venator repeats Poul Anderson's parable of three projected directions and one unexpected direction for the Roman Empire and then ends the parable with wild folk howling in ruined cities. For previous examples of this, see here. (I don't know about you but, if I have to squat among the ruins of Lancaster or London, then I will not howl.)
Will the cybercosm need to monopolize the resources of the entire universe for cosmic ages in order to implement its program of surviving the universe? How can it be sure of any of that at this early stage? I would welcome the unpredictable and try to find means of survival within that.
Venator says that violence would be an unacceptable means, destroying even the victor. But surely the deceit that is eventually resorted to is equally unacceptable, and for the same reason, in an entity that claims to seek knowledge? Being forced to keep a secret drove Arthur C. Clarke's HAL mad.
The novel ends with an excellent sea-space contrast as Kenmuir accompanies the Lunarians to Proserpina whereas Aleka remains with her mixed human-amphibian community on a Terrestrial island.
Maybe we have finished rereading The Stars Are Also Fire, combined prequel and sequel to Harvest Of Stars?
Maybe we will begin to reread Harvest Of Stars tomorrow?
Maybe we will come off the computer now?
Who can possibly say?
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Well, I can imaging some savages howling as they sacked cities of the falling Roman and Terran Empires! Also, I think Poul Anderson was seeking a dramatic metaphor applicable to barbarism both here and in WE CLAIM THESE STARS.
And I agree with you on why the Teramind needed to be opposed. Material life and intelligence, for all their possible risks/dangers, is better than the kind of stagnant, pointless sameness offered by the sophotects.
Sean
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