Richard
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I’ve seen you refer to the gods in the World of 5 Gods as ineffable. I mislike the concept of ineffability. I believe that given enough time, resources and creative curious minds, nothing is ineffable. Do you have any beliefs on the matter outside of your created worlds?
Lois McMaster Bujold
In the real world, "ineffable" is usually a synonym for "we haven't figured it out yet", or "this is too hard for me to understand." Still, what is understanding? For most people, it's metaphors all the way down.
Though if you take "ineffable" as a description of an emotional response, akin to "awe", mm, maybe.
That said, it's interesting to imagine the sort of mental effort that went into development of the scientific worldview in our world going into practical theology in Penric's world. (The medieval Scholastics make a fascinating study as a worked bad example. So much brainpower wasted on so little use...)
Ta, L.
Though if you take "ineffable" as a description of an emotional response, akin to "awe", mm, maybe.
That said, it's interesting to imagine the sort of mental effort that went into development of the scientific worldview in our world going into practical theology in Penric's world. (The medieval Scholastics make a fascinating study as a worked bad example. So much brainpower wasted on so little use...)
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Nancy
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
A long time ago, I asked you about feeling "bookicidal" (your word) about my own work. Your answer was empathetic, and I've carried it gratefully all these years. But now I have pressing financial concerns and a beta-reader who is so uninterested that she wants me to send her the Cliff's notes. I can't pander to that: I can only despair in its wake. Where do I find the courage to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear?
K
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
How does it feel to be a visionary? https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/11/12/biggest-insect-farm-record/ "The race is on to build the world’s biggest bug farm. A nascent drive to cut greenhouse emissions from animal feed has spawned a new industry, that promises to one day produce vast amounts of protein* with fewer greenhouse emissions than traditional suppliers." *for pets, fish and livestock.
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