Issue 173: Lessons from Dune
Welcome to Backstory, a weekly newsletter turning global technology shifts into a three-minute read. This week, we’re thinking about Dune. – Mary Ames, Director of Strategy
THE BIG TAKE
Lessons from Dune
The second installment of Dune hit theaters worldwide this weekend to much fanfare and critical acclaim. The Dune novels, written by Frank Herbert in the 1960s, stand as monumental works in science fiction, weaving intricate tales of politics, religion, and power across an expansive interstellar setting. Their ambitious journey to the screen has been marked by visually stunning adaptations that strive to capture the complex essence of Herbert's universe, engaging audiences with their depiction of the desert planet Arrakis and the saga of the Atreides family. But there is more to these novels than just science fiction.
Confronting technology. Frank Herbert used Dune to make compelling arguments about politics and false prophecy. He also had prescient arguments about the rise of artificial intelligence and our overreliance on technology. The Dune universe features a future where humanity has eschewed advanced computers and artificial intelligence following a cataclysmic event known as the Butlerian Jihad, which led to a collective distrust of sentient machines. Instead, the series explores the development of human potential and ingenuity, with the characters known as Mentats serving as human computers and the secretive group known as the Bene Gesserit wielding psychological and physical prowess, showcasing a unique approach to technology that emphasizes human adaptability and resilience.
Deeper issues. For that reason alone, it’s worth seeing in the cinema. But there are deeper messages. Dune resonates with contemporary audiences by delving into the intricate dance of power, resource control, and ecological stewardship, mirroring today's global challenges of environmental degradation and the geopolitical struggles over vital resources. The series also offers a prescient commentary on the intersection of religion, politics, and cultural imperialism, prompting reflection on our own world's complex social fabrics and the forces that shape them.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Money couldn’t buy friends, but you got a better class of enemy.”
– Spike Milligan, writer
CHART OF THE WEEK
This week, we are thinking about obesity. A study published last week in the prestigious medical journal Lancet shows that more than 1 billion people were classified as obese in 2022.
This week, we are also thinking about Nvidia. The microchip company powering the AI revolution has just become the latest US tech company to close with a $2 trillion valuation.
SPOTTED ELSEWHERE
The Douglas Adams Era. In a world where Star Trek's imaginative tech once seemed the zenith of sci-fi inspiration, we now find ourselves in the Adams Age—a whimsical era where technology echoes the absurdity of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. This is the compelling argument of technology writer Matt Webb. AI, with its deceptively simple underpinnings and vast data training, feels like the realization of Douglas Adams' Infinite Improbability Drive, turning the internet's vast chaos into a conversational partner. The line between the improbable and the everyday blurs, inviting us to embrace the vibe shift and acknowledge that perhaps, in this unpredictable and vibrant era, the most improbable technologies are the ones that truly define our times.
Fossil fuels. Should we just ban fossil fuels? An opinion writer at the New York Times posed this stimulating question last month. The question is a misnomer, but the argument is important in light of the recent COP meeting in Dubai. The historical precedence of banning harmful substances like lead paint underlines the feasibility of a phased, stringent reduction in fossil fuel dependency, urging a shift towards sustainable alternatives. The real challenge lies not in the lack of green technologies but in overcoming the political and economic inertia that fossil fuel giants have cemented, demanding a bold reimagining of energy policies for a viable environmental future. Are we ready to rethink the future?