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Ursula Le Guin has died

nytimes.com

81–90 of 197 posts

Re: Ursula Le Guin has died

#81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I enjoyed reading The Dispossessed , though I have also been known to characterize it as, "A Sci-Fi universe where communism actually works, hence the 'Fi' part." However, I've recently read Thomas Sowell's book about the original formulation of Marxian economics and philosophy, and I've come to the conclusion that the technology of the late 21st century might possibly enable a viable communal society through the rep…

We didn’t really learn much about the communists in the Dispossessed. Most of the novel is about the anarchists. Anarchists generally get along with communists even worse than capitalists do, so I don’t think this distinction is just pedantry.

As the linked article mentions, The Dispossessed was inspired by the works of Peter Kropotkin, the prominent anarcho-communist.

Re: Ursula Le Guin has died

#85
I've always been interested in Le Guin, but never read much, outside of an Earthsea book or two as a child.

From the contents of the thread I seem to be gathering The Dispossessed might be the best place to start. Is this correct?

Are there any other must reads?

Re: Ursula Le Guin has died

#87
post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Anyone remember the source of the essay about the town where everyone was happy, and how it feels unbelievable until you find it has a horrible secret, which somehow makes it more believable? I think that is her writing.

That is a short story called "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas"

Yes, a story that has haunted me ever since I read it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ones_Who_Walk_Away_from_Om...

The EarthSea Trilogy has stuck with me too.

Re: Ursula Le Guin has died

#90
"If you can see a thing whole, it seems that it's always beautiful. Planets, lives. . . . But close up, a world's all dirt and rocks. And day to day, life's a hard job, you get tired, you loose the pattern."

--The Dispossessed

Incredible author. R.I.P.

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