Current book(s) you're reading?

[IContainMultitudes]

Mine is Volume 2 of Buddha by Osamu Tezuka.

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[. . .]

I'm still reading a short story collection called "The Best Short Stories of J.G. Ballard". It's a first edition and is in very good shape.


This collection has some great short stories on it.

 

[. . .]

​

Genes and Brains

"Genes and Brains," discusses, to a large extent, the relationship between brain to body mass ratio and intelligence. Perhaps not surprisingly, humans have the largest brain to body mass ratio at about 12%, followed by dolphins and non-human primates. Sagan contends that brain mass is only related to intelligence when the mass of the brain is less than one kilogram. Above this threshold, brain mass does not seem to have a statistically significant effect on intelligence. He provides the example of two men, Lord Byron and Anatole France, both of which exhibited above average intelligence. Lord Byron's brain however, weighed 2,200 grams, while Anatole France's weighed only 1,100 grams. It appears that a mass difference of 1.2 kg does not have a significant effect on intelligence. However, microcephalics, individuals born with very small brains, usually have a brain mass of 450 - 900 grams (in comparison, chimpanzees have an average brain mass of about 500 grams). Their mental capabilities are drastically reduced compared with an average human, indicating that there exists a correlation between brain mass and intelligence below 900 - 1000 grams.

The Brain and the Chariot

Chapter three, "The Brain and the Chariot," concerns the anatomical evolution of the human brain. Carl Sagan conceptualizes the human brain as three main evolutionary components: the R-complex, the limbic system, and the neocortex. The R-complex is considered the most basic and primal part of the brain, having evolved hundreds of millions of years ago. In fact, humans share the R-complex region with all other mammals and reptiles. It plays an important role in aggressive behavior, territoriality, ritual, and social hierarchies. Physiologically, it is involved in some of the most basic brain-regulated functions, such as breathing and control of heart rate. The limbic system, which encapsulates the R-complex, evolved around 150 million years ago, and is fully developed only in mammals. The limbic system is responsible for the strong and vivid emotions that are most often associated with humans, but are also characteristic of other primates and mammals. The newest region of the brain, having evolved only 10 million years ago, is the neocortex. The neocortex is only found in the "higher" mammals, including primates and humans. All advanced brain functions, including language, anticipation, vision, and fine motor skills, are processed and controlled by the neocortex.

The Tribune Brain

Within this chapter, Carl Sagan provides one of his major evolutionary theories, which concerns the existence of the triune brain (composed of the R-complex, limbic system, and neocortex). He believes that the triune brain exists because the loss of any one of the more ancient complexes (mainly the R-complex and limbic system) would have resulted in death. Evolution of brain structure could only be accomplished "by the addition of new systems on top of old ones." Crucial to survival, each of the pre-existing systems would have to be preserved for any successful advancement to be made. For instance, if one of our primate ancestors were born with a very large and well-developed neocortex, but an under-developed or non-existent R-complex, that individual would have died instantly, having had no chance to pass on its large neocortex genes to the next generation. Thus the brain of the modern human still contains some the basic structures found in other mammals, reptiles, and even fish.

The Garden of Eden

The next three chapters deal primarily with the ideas behind the title of the book, in which Eden is used as a metaphor for the early evolution of man. This is perhaps the most interesting and brilliant part of the book, in which Carl Sagan describes the impact of a rapidly developing neocortex, and the evolutionary forces that shaped the modern human mind. Eden, as used in this metaphor, is literally the temporal span of approximately three to four million years ago in which our ancestors, including members of the genus Homo, were "perfectly interwoven with the other beasts and vegetables."

During this period of time, or Eden, the human prefrontal lobes evolved quite rapidly, allowing for the development of anticipation, and consequently the knowledge of death. There is evidence that Neanderthals, a close "cousin" of Homo sapiens, conducted burial ceremonies that included the placement of jewelry and flowers with the deceased. This suggests that Neanderthals were not only aware of death, but they were capable of developing complex rituals to sustain the deceased in the afterlife. Sagan wrote: "It is not that death was absent before the spectacular growth of the neocortex, before the exile from Eden; it is that, until then, no one had ever noticed that death would be his destiny." The relatively rapid evolution of the human brain over the last few million years, Sagan contends, was driven by a selection process that required cooperative interaction between the motor cortex and neocortex. The development of the motor cortex was necessary for our ancestors to throw projectiles accurately, move with agility, and outrun both prey and predators. It is likely that modern sports, as well as strategic games such as chess and warfare, exist today as a result of our "pre-wired hunting skills," which, for our ancestors, often meant the difference between life and death. A large neocortex was also highly selected for, as it allowed for the development of communication via gestures and eventually verbal language. Early humans, having evolved on the plains of Africa, were faced with many large and dangerous animals. In order to successfully stalk and immobilize their prey, it would have been necessary for hunters to communicate with one another using at least a simple symbolic language. Individuals and groups that could communicate better, move faster, and formulate more effective attack strategies had the greatest chance of survival (and consequently were able to pass their genes on to subsequent generations).

Why do we Sleep?

Chapter six, "Tales of Dim Eden," tackles the question: why do we sleep? The role of sleep as a survival mechanism is not as defined as those of fine motor skills or linguistic abilities. It is a trait humans share with nearly every mammal and bird, yet its function is very poorly understood. Sleep seems to defy natural selection, as individuals who are asleep tend to be easy prey. But Sagan suggests that, during the early evolution of mammals, sleep may have actually decreased their vulnerability by immobilizing them during periods in which they were most vulnerable to predatory reptiles. In regard to the evolution of human intelligence, Carl Sagan believes that sleep may have played a much more complex role. He asserts that the manifestation of dreams during REM (random eye movements) sleep allows the artistic right hemisphere to briefly take control of the more logical, linguistic left hemisphere (which is used to a greater extent during the day). This is perhaps an essential exercise for the right hemisphere, which is largely responsible for insight and innovation. In addition, Sagan believes that dreams may be a way to process thoughts and emotions perceived during the day's experiences, allowing for the organization and storage of information into short and long term memory. The ability to innovate (allowing the development of new tools, hunting techniques) and properly store and retrieve memories would have been highly beneficial to the survival of early humans.

Future Evolution of the Human Brain

The last chapter of the book discusses the future evolution of the human brain. Sagan contends that it is unlikely that the brain will become much larger than it currently is due to the limitation imposed by the female pelvis and birth canal. In the future, however, technology may allow for the full-term development of a fetus outside of the uterus, which would permit larger brain volumes. It is more likely, however, that we will simply use technology to improve the brain that evolution has "provided" us with thus far. The implantation of microprocessors or other artificial devices could drastically improve several cognitive abilities, including memory and mathematics. Likewise, it may be possible to accurately impair those components of the brain "that may be responsible for some of the perils and contradictions facing mankind." The Dragons of Eden is simply one of the best books I have ever read, scientific or otherwise. Despite the introduction of multiple theories in nearly every chapter, Carl Sagan manages to support each one clearly and convincingly. In addition to his own theories, many of which he synthesizes from a wide array of evidence, he also presents the theories of other scientists, even those that contract his own. I found this aspect of the book especially refreshing, as it embodies the true spirit of scientific inquiry. In addition, Sagan presented ideas and insights that I had never considered before. His theories on the triune brain and evolutionary purpose of dreams were especially intriguing.

​

Love it so far. Almost finished reading it.

Something tells me that Panpaniscus would like this book.

 

[gonzerd]

Candide by Voltaire.

 

[. . .]

Suldrun's Garden, the first book of the Lyonesse trilogy.

The richly imagined land of Lyonesse and the Elder Isles, the lost islands of fantasy between France and Britain, is alive with magic, vivid characters, devious schemes and Old Folk. In a wonderful synthesis of Tolkien and Old English myth, kings and children, magicians and knights, faeries and ogres wander in and out of each other stories.

Suldrun, the daughter of the relentlessly scheming King Casimir of Lyonesse, wants nothing to do with the future her father has planned for her. For her stubbornness, she is exiled to a garden at the edge of Casimir's castle. One day, a shipwrecked sailor washes up on shore. He is Ailias, prince of the kingdom of Troicent, pushed overboard by his cousin. Lyonesse is at war with Troicenet, and the doomed relationship is one of the threads that make up this wonderful tale.

From changelings to evil tyrants, from hedge witches to Mulgren, who has dedicated his life to keeping the Elder Isles above the waves, Vance does a fine job of interweaving new stories and old. There are children's adventures that trace to the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson; there are sly references to the King Arthur (his grandfather appears briefly); and there is much that is the marvelous creation of Vance himself.

This is my test for excellent fantasy: when you read it, the world created is brighter and more vivid than the world you return to at the end of the book. This book passes that test. I'd love to wander the forest of Tantrelles, or talk with Shimrod, or wander the Teac a Teac.

 

[jaws]

Solutions for Adults with Asperger's Syndrome: Maximizing the Benefits, Minimizing the Drawbacks to Achieve Success [Hardcover]

Juanita Lovett (Author)

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It seems pretty interesting so far, but I've only just started it.

 

[more-than-words]

I've just finished the amazing Jodi Picoult's new bestseller, House Rules

I loved it. I remember reading 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time', about an Aspie, but this topped that, completely. Although it does a murder, the situations are so realistic...you really can connect to the Aspie protagonist.
I'd definitely read all 600 pages over again!

 

[. . .]

The Eyes of the Overworld is the second part of Tales of the Dying Earth and the main character is the self-titled Cugel the Clever. Cugel is not the kind of guy you want to have dealings with — he’s clever, sneaky, completely selfish and remorseless. He is always trying to figure out how he can take advantage of other people in order to make his own circumstances better.

In The Eyes of the Overworld, Cugel decides to burglarize the house of Iucounu the Laughing Magician so he can sell some of Iucounu’s thaumaturgical artifacts. But the magician catches Cugel and punishes him by setting him on a quest to procure a lens which allows the wearer to view the overworld.

Cugel is clever, but as clever as he is, he often finds himself facing a foe who, at least temporarily, manages to outwit him (which invariably surprises Cugel). This time his quest leads him on a series of misadventures in which he: gets captured by rat people… is forced to be the watchman of a village… steals more than one person’s inheritance… deals with demons… trades a woman for information… impersonates a god… and travels a million years into the past. Wherever he goes, Cugel, sometimes purposely and sometimes unwittingly, leaves sorrow and destruction in his wake. He deprives people of their hope, their faith and, often, their lives.

 

[. . .]

Actually nevermind - I'll start reading the first Dying Earth novel first:

The six short stories in this book are:

Turjan of Miir, which tells the story of Turjan the wizard, who dreams of perfecting the art of growing fully-developed humans in a chemical vat. Seeking out Pandelume, the greatest living wizard, Turjan goes to him, and learns the secrets that he craves. But, the woman he creates has a mind of her own.

In Mazirian the Magician, we meet Mazirian, a wizard who is trying to learn all of the magical spells still known to man, and has captured Turjan, with the design of forcing him to reveal the secret of successfully growing humans in chemical vats. But, a strange woman has been haunting the forest around his castle, and Mazirian will stop at nothing to capture her...no matter the cost.

T'sais is the story of the fractured woman created by the wizard Pandelume. Leaving Embelyon, she journeys to Earth to learn of love and beauty and joy, if it can be found on Earth.

Liane the Wayfarer is the most handsome and desirable of men (in his own estimation), and what more logical course should he take but the win the hand of Lith the Golden, the most beautiful of women? But, when Lith makes her love conditional on Liane fulfilling a quest, he little realizes what he is in for. It is not without reason that his opponent is called Chun the Unavoidable!

Ulan Dhor is the story of the nephew of Prince Kandive the Golden, who uncle has set him a most dangerous quest. He must travel to the lost city of Ampridatvir and learn the secrets of its long-lost wizard-king, Rogol Domedonfors. But, little does he know that Rogol may have plans of his own.

And finally, Guyal of Sfere tells the story of a young man who has an overwhelming desire to learn the secrets that most other men do not worry about. Sent to the fabled Museum of Man, to learn from its famed curator, Guyal encounters many dangers, but the greatest dangers seem to await him within the doors of the Museum itself!

 

[whale_bone]

The Sea, by John Banville
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[IContainMultitudes]

Ayako by Osamu Tezuka. Enjoying it so far. Kind of a change of pace from the other Tezuka stuff I've read lately since the tone of this book is pretty much %100 serious and it doesn't have all of the weird jokes and stuff that Tezuka puts into most of his work (I would compare it somewhat to Terry Gilliam directing a fairly straightforward drama without very many of his usual weird touches).

So far, the rather "girly" cover of the U.S. edition of the book seems rather odd for a gritty "noir" story set in post-WWII Japan.

 

[Google]

I finished reading The Great Gatsby and now I'm going to read The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson.

 

[IContainMultitudes]

I finished reading The Great Gatsby and now I'm going to read The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson.

Have you seen this?

http://greatgatsbygame.com/

A couple of sites claim that this was a Japan-only NES game from about 20 years ago that someone discovered and put in the Internet, but I'm pretty sure that it's actually just something that someone made as a joke.

The last time I read the book was in High School about 15-16 years ago, so I don't remember it that well (especially since I think I just sort of skimmed the book rather than reading it properly).

 

[. . .]

I'm so indecisive.

I decided to go back to reading the Lyonesse trilogy because I'm worried that if I start reading The Dying Earth that I'll start mixing up its plot with Lyonesse's. I'm currently reading Lyonesse: The Green Pearl (I've actually started reading it, so I'll go through with reading it):

I think I'm just too excited to read The Dying Earth novels. The Dying Earth novels are as influential as The Lord of the Rings books when it comes to the amount of influence they've had on the fantasy genre. I expect them to be brilliant.

I hate getting a bunch of promising books at the same time. I'm always impatient to finish reading a series so that I can start reading another one! :no:

 

[. . .]

I want to read Crash sometime which is highly regarded as being his most notorious full-length novel.

It is a story about symphorophilia or car-crash sexual fetishism: its protagonists become sexually aroused by staging and participating in real car-crashes. The novel was written in a highly sensationalized manner. It was a highly controversial novel: famously one publisher's reader returned the verdict "This author is beyond psychiatric help. Do Not Publish!"

It might be hard to believe, but some of Ballard's short fiction is even stranger than Crash's subject matter.

I ordered an omnibus that contains 95%+ of Ballard's short fiction a few months ago but it got lost in the mail. It was the most highly-anticipated book I ordered last year. I'll probably re-order it within the next few months. It better arrive this time. :-O

 

[Firnafth]

Well, actually, I just finished this one:

Online reviews had many complaints. But I enjoyed it and had become too emotionally interested in the characters. It had an ending I found satisfying, but very tragic. This feeling of sadness combined with feeling stupid that I liked it has not helped with my emotionally-fraught state right now.

 

[Google]

Have you seen this?

http://greatgatsbygame.com/

A couple of sites claim that this was a Japan-only NES game from about 20 years ago that someone discovered and put in the Internet, but I'm pretty sure that it's actually just something that someone made as a joke.

The last time I read the book was in High School about 15-16 years ago, so I don't remember it that well (especially since I think I just sort of skimmed the book rather than reading it properly).

I haven't seen that. I wouldn't believe it's real unless I saw it in real life.

 

[. . .]

I'm going to get lost in this short story/novella/novelette collection for the next few days:

I forgot that I asked my library to get that in for me. So it looks like I'll have to take a short break from reading the other Jack Vance book I was reading and finish reading this collection in time to send it back to the library. I'm likely going to refrain from signing into forums and such for the next few days and try to finish this collection.

It's great thus far. I'm on the first story which is a novella called The Dragon Masters. The title would make you assume that it's purely fantasy, but this is a perfect blend of fantasy and sci-fi. There are aliens, spaceships and dragons in the same book.

 

[Kcubed]

Android Karenina

 

[IContainMultitudes]

Android Karenina

This recently published story collection, which is in my "to read" queue, includes a short story called "Anne-Droid of Green Gables":

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