Exurb1a Exurb1a

If you have children, we will execute them. If you don't have children, we will make children from your blood cultures, then execute them

This book is a masterclass in existentialism, consciousness, sci-fi and philosophy. Not all chapters are good but the ones that are, they are beautiful, haunting and thought provoking. I did not really consider myself as someone who was spiritual or existential. I considered nihilism as my core my belief but this book has probably changed it. The author is show more not a literary master with his words but the way he can weave sci-fi concepts with thought provoking questions is brilliant. The book also has some extremely good quotes.

My favorite chapters are probably For Every Dove A Bullet, Lullaby for the Empire, The Lantern and The Want Machine. I did not really like The Menagerie. More than the concept of Fifth science or consciousness, I really liked the idea of trying to find happiness in the pointlessness of life. If everything has no meaning, might as well enjoy it. It is anti-nihilism. The final chapter drives this point home very well. I would give this 4.5/5 if I could. show less

The book is very easy to read, it's interesting, it's thought-provoking and is not that long.
I wanted to give this book 4 stars, but I choose 5 because I disagree with the author.

I disagree with his philosophical view of happiness and striving, we humans have two sides, one that tells us to build heaven on earth and strive for meaning and the other that tells us to wait for heaven and follow the river and be happy.

Especially the last stories heavy tend toward the latter, I would have liked show more some more stories discussing the former and how the two are linked.

Because it made me think about my position and the alternatives I give this book 5 full stars. show less

Save yourself the trouble and just read hitchhiker's instead. You'll have the added bonus of not supporting a rapist, and plagiarist.