aleph symbol with title UNSONG

Author Archives: Scott Alexander

Chapter 52: The King Of Light Beheld Her Mourning

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the possible values of x and f(x). — kingjamesprogramming.tumblr.com July 29, 2001 Gulf Of Mexico Winter ended. Summer passed. Another and another. Uriel taught Sohu for eight more years after … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 103 Comments

Chapter 51: He Wondered That He Felt Love

February 1984 Colorado “What can I do for you today?” Robin asked the Comet King. He was in his study, sitting at his big desk of Colorado pine. On the shelves he had gifts given him by various ambassadors and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 84 Comments

Author’s Note 7: Zizek, Rebbe Again, Communism

Slavoj Zizek on the kabbalistic meaning of Castro’s name. Search for “Yeah, but again” in the transcript. Of course the Lubavitcher Rebbe had an opinion on the Apollo 8 mission. Plot-relevant articles: Leibniz and the I Ching, divine simplicity, Atzmus, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 20 Comments

Interlude ע: Hell on Earth

[Content warning: More discussion of Hell.] In 1985, the Hellish Empire stretched from Moscow to Montreal, a sprawling stain over the northern quarter of the world. After the defeat at Silverthorne a tenative cease-fire had taken hold, backed by nuclear … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 102 Comments

Chapter 50: Silent As Despairing Love

Praise the LORD from my hand for my son, to make a faster machine. — kingjamesprogramming.tumblr.com Evening, May 13, 2017 Citadel West They had taken us back to the NORAD command center. We sat at the big table, listening to … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 145 Comments

Interludes ‎פ and צ‎: 80s and 90s

In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar throws a feast which is interrupted by a giant disembodied hand writing on the wall: MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN. The wise men of the kingdom are confused; they recognize these words only as measures of silver … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 123 Comments

Chapter 49: Terrors Of The Sun And Moon

December 4, 1993 Gulf Of Mexico Right on cue, people noticed the sun speeding up. There were times when this would have been a cause for concern. As it was, the astronomical community just shrugged their shoulders and said “Uriel’s … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 105 Comments

Interlude ס: Binary

“Today I will expound unto you the kabbalistic theory of the creation of the world,” said Ana. “It all starts with Leibniz…” We were sitting together on the couch after dinner. Erica and Eli Foss were on the other couch. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 128 Comments

Chapter 48: Bring Me My Chariot Of Fire

Rage in favor of the proposition that the machine is somehow important in a way that could be uncovered through dispassionate analysis. — Steven Kaas Morning, May 14, 2017 Caribbean Sea I. Unfurling four of its seven sails , the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 134 Comments

Chapter 47: For He Beheld New Female Forms

February 1984 Citadel West “Evening,” the Comet King said from across the table, stifling a yawn. “Why don’t you tell me something about yourself and why I should marry you?” Her name was Jessica. She was twenty-three and beautiful, long … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 121 Comments