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Author Archives: Scott Alexander

Epilogue

Yes — Will Godwin Evening, May 14, 2017 Citadel West And the voice said: [Blowhole-y of holies.] [Ana! You’re alive!] [Not…exactly.] [Oh.] [But sort of! Kabbalistic marriage seems to have some hidden features we didn’t realize. All those nights looking … Continue reading

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Chapter 72: And Builds A Heaven In Hell’s Despair

If we are worthy, our Master will redeem us by justice, and if not, He will redeem us with mercy. — Rabbinic saying Evening, May 14, 2017 Citadel West I. Sohu pushed the heavy steel door open and entered the … Continue reading

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Postscript 1: Wrap Parties + Fan Music

It’s kabbalistically important that there only be ten author’s notes, so this is a postscript even though the book isn’t technically finished yet. The Berkeley wrap party will be at 4:30 on Sunday, location and directions here. There is no … Continue reading

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Chapter 71: But For Another Gives Its Ease

Everybody already has enlightenment. Why did Buddha sit for six years, see a star, and then get enlightenment? That’s stupid! If you see a star, you get enlightenment now! — Ch’unsong Sunim Evening, May 14, 2017 Fire Island I. Opening … Continue reading

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Chapter 70: Nor For Itself Hath Any Care

Evening, May 14, 2017 Colorado Springs I. It was called Tava, or “sun mountain”, by the Ute. El Capitan, meaning “the leader”, by the Spanish. But its modern name “Pike’s Peak” comes from explorer Zebulon Pike, and his name in … Continue reading

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Author’s Note 10: HaMephorash, HaMephorash, Party

This is by Raymond Arnold. And hopefully you didn’t miss the Bayesian Choir’s rendition of the title song. Relevant wiki articles: Garden of the Gods, Samuel Butler, the Butlerian Jihad, The Red Wheelbarrow, The New Colossus, Eli, Eli, Pike’s Peak, … Continue reading

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Chapter 69: Love Seeketh Not Itself To Please

Afternoon, May 14, 2017 Citadel West The alarms went silent. North American airspace went black. The lights went out. THARMAS went quiet, then released an arc of electrical energy which briefly lit the otherwise pitch-black room before dying back down. … Continue reading

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Book IV: Kings

[A picture of the Comet King, aged beyond his years, his face looking haggard but determined, lost in shadows. The text says “Somebody had to, no one would / I tried to do the best I could / And now … Continue reading

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Chapter 68: …Puts All Heaven In A Rage

For a Tear is an Intellectual Thing And a Sigh is the Sword of an Angel King And the bitter groan of the Martyr’s woe Is an Arrow from the Almighty’s Bow — William Blake, The Grey Monk December 21, … Continue reading

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Chapter 67: The Night Of Enitharmon’s Joy

Everybody knows that the boat is leaking Everybody knows that the captain lied. — Leonard Cohen Evening, May 14, 2017 Fire Island I. Only a few minutes before sunset now. The sea blazed orange. Fire Island rose as a dark … Continue reading

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