I am absolutely uneducated and very well unread , is this a good fiction book that could also under the guise of being entertainment teach me through itself important archetypes and memes that could be helpful in life further since I have turned 20?
Academic Agent just released his video on ten reasons why conservatives are Stone Cold Losers.
What was interesting about the video is that besides describing conservatives, he also described Deltas from a very harsh perspective with points such as:
1. Rule following
2. Seekers of respectability
3. Maintainer of status quo
4. Support their team no matter what
5. Cowardly
6. Toothless
7. Dedicated to their team no matter what
This also illustrates Academic Agent's point that the small minority always rules from a different angle - Deltas without proper lead are useless as vehicle of political change.
Obviously the cuckservatives go beyond just being Deltas, but Delta lore is what the foundation of the movement is built on. Certainly a populist should then try to cultivate these Deltas and become their Alpha.
It is one of the best books written in the English language. I was expecting something like Wind in the Willows, which is also a great book. I was shocked.
It's an amazing book! The rabbits are anthropomorphized, of course, but remain very, very rabbitty. Their whole culture and religion make so much sense for rabbits. And yes, the ending is beautiful.
Consider the alpha commander checking the gamma impulses of a young acolyte:
"For half an hour you have been interrupting me to say what you think and, under the guise of questioning me, you would show me I am mistaken. Never do this again, especially with the powerful. Occasions will arise when confidence in your own perspicacity and the impulse to tell the truth will enable you to give sound advice to someone of a higher station. Never do it. Princes wish to be assisted, not outstripped. Never speak of yourself: either you will praise yourself, which is vanity, or you will denigrate yourself, which is stupidity. The ostrich never aspires to fly, and thus risk an exemplary fall: he allows the beauty of his feathers to be revealed gradually."
Hazel is absolutely an Alpha, because he’s based on a real one. Maj John Giffords was an excellent leader who rarely even raised his voice. Indeed, “The Major wouldn’t like that” was enough to quell things by itself. The absolutely British understated Alpha.
Bigwig is based on an Alpha as well, Capt Desmond “Paddy” Kavanaugh. A hell raiser and frequent instigator, very much a leader, afraid of nothing, “by nature the public’s image of a parachute officer.” He placed himself in a certain death situation to cover a retreat, and died at Arnhem. His absolute loyalty and bravery translated well as Bigwig, one of literature’s great Bravos.
If Hazel had died at the farm, could Bigwig have stepped up and kept it together? I think so, which means he’s a High Bravo. Would he have had Hazel’s unique empathy to get the best out of every rabbit in unconventional ways? Only sort of. He would have followed Hazel’s example to a point, but would have lacked Hazel’s full Alpha vision.
Spot the Sigma? That’s Captain Campion of Efrafa. Way outside normal rabbit instincts with his scouting, doesn’t care, never lacks for rabbits to follow him in this odd behavior. Ur-Alpha Woundwort has nothing but respect, but never feels threatened. Runs Efrafa after Woundwort’s death, but quits to go to Watership Down and train and lead Wide Patrols. Dies as a legendary and beloved figure in his enemy’s warren. (Adams, “Tales of Watership Down.”)
I read it when it first came out and was enthralled. I still have my copy and perhaps I need to read it once again. Thanks for reminding me of a great work.
I know this is an old post, but there's no way Fiver is an Omega.
Imo, he is a Bravo, other rabbits were counting on him to boost morale and he was willing to step up to Hazel when Hazel was hesitant to abandon ship.
He was also valuable enough that he was brought back by force when he abandoned Cowslip's warren.
I am absolutely uneducated and very well unread , is this a good fiction book that could also under the guise of being entertainment teach me through itself important archetypes and memes that could be helpful in life further since I have turned 20?
Agree completely. Just chiming in to endorse Watership Down. One of the five best books I’ve ever read.
“You'll find it much harder to push me back from here…”
Thanks Hermano, I just ordered the Illustrated book for my 2 year old son for xmas. Can't wait to go through it first time for both of us!
Dang, now I gotta read it.
Academic Agent just released his video on ten reasons why conservatives are Stone Cold Losers.
What was interesting about the video is that besides describing conservatives, he also described Deltas from a very harsh perspective with points such as:
1. Rule following
2. Seekers of respectability
3. Maintainer of status quo
4. Support their team no matter what
5. Cowardly
6. Toothless
7. Dedicated to their team no matter what
This also illustrates Academic Agent's point that the small minority always rules from a different angle - Deltas without proper lead are useless as vehicle of political change.
Obviously the cuckservatives go beyond just being Deltas, but Delta lore is what the foundation of the movement is built on. Certainly a populist should then try to cultivate these Deltas and become their Alpha.
It is one of the best books written in the English language. I was expecting something like Wind in the Willows, which is also a great book. I was shocked.
It's an amazing book! The rabbits are anthropomorphized, of course, but remain very, very rabbitty. Their whole culture and religion make so much sense for rabbits. And yes, the ending is beautiful.
Another Bravo is Holly, former Captain of the Sandleford Owsla, who is even described as a "born second-in-command."
SSH: once seen, cannot be unseen.
Consider the alpha commander checking the gamma impulses of a young acolyte:
"For half an hour you have been interrupting me to say what you think and, under the guise of questioning me, you would show me I am mistaken. Never do this again, especially with the powerful. Occasions will arise when confidence in your own perspicacity and the impulse to tell the truth will enable you to give sound advice to someone of a higher station. Never do it. Princes wish to be assisted, not outstripped. Never speak of yourself: either you will praise yourself, which is vanity, or you will denigrate yourself, which is stupidity. The ostrich never aspires to fly, and thus risk an exemplary fall: he allows the beauty of his feathers to be revealed gradually."
From Eco's "The Island of the Day Before"
I haven’t but now I will
Hazel is absolutely an Alpha, because he’s based on a real one. Maj John Giffords was an excellent leader who rarely even raised his voice. Indeed, “The Major wouldn’t like that” was enough to quell things by itself. The absolutely British understated Alpha.
Bigwig is based on an Alpha as well, Capt Desmond “Paddy” Kavanaugh. A hell raiser and frequent instigator, very much a leader, afraid of nothing, “by nature the public’s image of a parachute officer.” He placed himself in a certain death situation to cover a retreat, and died at Arnhem. His absolute loyalty and bravery translated well as Bigwig, one of literature’s great Bravos.
If Hazel had died at the farm, could Bigwig have stepped up and kept it together? I think so, which means he’s a High Bravo. Would he have had Hazel’s unique empathy to get the best out of every rabbit in unconventional ways? Only sort of. He would have followed Hazel’s example to a point, but would have lacked Hazel’s full Alpha vision.
Spot the Sigma? That’s Captain Campion of Efrafa. Way outside normal rabbit instincts with his scouting, doesn’t care, never lacks for rabbits to follow him in this odd behavior. Ur-Alpha Woundwort has nothing but respect, but never feels threatened. Runs Efrafa after Woundwort’s death, but quits to go to Watership Down and train and lead Wide Patrols. Dies as a legendary and beloved figure in his enemy’s warren. (Adams, “Tales of Watership Down.”)
I'm waiting for my rabbit skin Libraria to read it for the first time.
Beautiful book, beautiful story, beautiful writing. I reread it whenever I am tired of reading shallow drivel, a terrible habit.
I read it when it first came out and was enthralled. I still have my copy and perhaps I need to read it once again. Thanks for reminding me of a great work.
Just ordered it, so I can’t read this post right now. See you in 500 pages!