Comment by pvg
5 days ago
I'm not a reactionary luddite saying that we should still be using oil streetlamps so we don't put the lamplighters out of work.
No doubt. A few years ago there was some HN post with a video of the completely preposterous process of making diagrams for Crafting Interpreters. I didn't particularly need the book nor do I have room for it but I bought it there and then to support the spirit of all-consuming wankery. So I'm not here from Mitch & Murray & Dark Satanic Mills, Inc either. At the same time, I'm not sold on the idea niche art is the source of human dignity that needs societal protection, not because I'm some ogre but because I'm not convinced that's how actual art actually arts or provides meaning or evolves.
Like another Thomas put it
Not for the proud man apart
From the raging moon I write
On these spindrift pages
Nor for the towering dead
With their nightingales and psalms
But for the lovers, their arms
Round the griefs of the ages,
Who pay no praise or wages
Nor heed my craft or art.
> the spirit of all-consuming wankery.
Haha, a good way to describe it. :)
> the idea niche art is the source of human dignity that needs societal protection
I mean... have you looked around at the world today? We've got pick at least some sources of human dignity to protect because there seem to be fewer and fewer left.