'Nation': Doing the impossible

[Ultrajoe]

Fascinating.
But I find argument with the belief that Religion is referred to as a constraint much like a fear.

I would say it is seen as a ladder, one we have reached the top of.

The metaphor in the book is of a hermit crab, we grew in the shell of religion and it kept us safe and did wonderful things for humanity for many years. Now that we have outgrown it, the book says we should not seek a new shell, not try to crawl back into an old one but grow to fit the ocean. It is a wonderful concept, and carries greatly without becoming preachy.

Its not like fear at all, its more like training wheels on a child's bike. To say they religion is a constraint does it far too little credit, religion has been important to humanity for thousands of years. But now is the challenge to move forward. It is not like fear. It is a fantastic weapon against fear. Now that we have gotten rid of the fear, and found ways to fight it other than religion... we don't need it, no matter how good it might be. Because if we crawl back into that shell, put those training wheels back on, sink into the warm comfort of religion once again... we never learn to ride.

That said, this is not the focus of the Novel. Just one of its many concepts.

 

[Anarchemitis]

Well, I still don't think that humanity doesn't need religion. I am adamant about that.

 

[Ultrajoe]

Well, I still don't think that humanity doesn't need religion. I am adamant about that.

To each their own. I imagine we view religion very differently in terms of its value and worth, judging it on entirely different sets of strengths and traits. Hence? Both people making the 'correct' decision based on the facts we are evaluating.

That said, i am honor bound to claim my facts as more true.

That was a joke, lets not argue. Are you a Pratchett fan? I only ask because i don't know, i can't remember you mentioning it.

 

[Anarchemitis]

Alas I am not.
I wish local libraries didn't suck so much.

 

[Brett Alex]

Just started reading it today. So much for catching up on homework in free periods...

It is certainly a different pace to the Discworld books, but I am finding it very interesting. A few of "Daphne's" lines got me chuckling, like when she thanked him for smashing the window open.

When I finish I will post a more complete opinion.

Oh and I'd say Nightwatch is character driven, and if were talking favourites, Feet of Clay. First Pratchett, First read it when I was 10. I've re-read it at least once a year since then, often more. Its yet to grow old. I have to say Thud! came close to replacing it though.

 

[Copter400]

That said, i am honor bound to claim my facts as more true.

Oh yeah? Well my facts are true-est.

 

[The Wooster]

Way to not warn me about the sobfest ending. Asshole.

 

[Ultrajoe]

Way to not warn me about the sobfest ending. Asshole.

You know me Doctor, i don't do spoilers.

the burning question: Did you enjoy it?

 

[Brett Alex]

Way to not warn me about the sobfest ending. Asshole.

You know me Doctor, i don't do spoilers.

the burning question: Did you enjoy it?

I did, which was odd, cause I normally see happy endings as cop out.

Its certainly gotta be one of the books that has made me think the most.