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An interesting point to consider... everynametaken Send a noteboard - 25/04/2010 10:41:17 PM
Quite apart from the fact that I really struggled to understand this book (suspect I may need to read it again someday to try again), I couldn't decide whether the ocean was in fact sentient and deliberately sending the Visitors, or whether it was just some kind of ... chemical, I guess, effect of being so close to it with human minds.



This was not exactly the first time mankind had experimented on the planet and its ocean and yet it had never "responded" in this way before. It was only after Sartorius shot the Hell out of it with x-rays that the visitors showed up. Interestingly, they tried to communicate via that method again but this time encoding actual EEG patterns in the x-rays rather than just enormous bursts of random energy. The planet never seemingly responded. What does this mean?

I think it could mean that there was just some kind of response to that particular stimulus (the first x-rays). Could this imply that the researchers actually caused the visitors in some kind of physics-type reaction via the x-rays? I think that could be a valid argument.
But wine was the great assassin of both tradition and propriety...
-Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
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Sci-Fi Book Club: SOLARIS by Stanislaw Lem Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:50:45 PM 1897 Views
Roll-Call: Have you read it? Are you reading it? Like it: Yes/NO? *NM* Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:52:00 PM 662 Views
I read it back in January. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:23:29 PM 1197 Views
I read it years ago, and liked it. *NM* Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:41:36 PM 629 Views
I just finished it. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:54:49 PM 1147 Views
Well, to be fair, Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:12:17 PM 1092 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 21/04/2010 08:31:51 AM 1316 Views
Re: Well, to be fair, Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:06:06 PM 1057 Views
That was how I felt too. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:39:15 PM 914 Views
I read it 3 years ago, and liked it. Linda - 19/04/2010 06:58:37 PM 1397 Views
Yes, I read it. Must be something like... eh. it was before the clooney horror movie came out? *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:23:15 PM 676 Views
I read it, and liked it. wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:33:16 PM 1180 Views
I plan to Camilla - 19/04/2010 07:41:21 PM 1290 Views
I might re-read it in a few days Larry - 19/04/2010 09:11:35 PM 1103 Views
I'm currently reading it Mark - 20/04/2010 10:00:05 AM 1356 Views
That has always bothered me too. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:20:56 PM 986 Views
I am with you on that. It may not be rational or my reasons have to do with vanity Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:18:53 PM 922 Views
Re: When you look through Lem's page on Solaris covers, that one is the least interesting. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:01:50 AM 1044 Views
Indeed Camilla - 11/05/2010 03:02:26 PM 1027 Views
It was a while since I've read it Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:33:44 AM 998 Views
I have started reading it Camilla - 11/05/2010 11:10:53 AM 949 Views
Translation: Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:54:57 PM 1245 Views
I read it in Russian, which was very close to the original. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:25:00 PM 1225 Views
I'm not sure now, I think I read it in Dutch. Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:43:30 PM 1148 Views
English translation by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox (1970). Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:56:54 PM 1113 Views
Translation of a translation, actually. *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:22:18 PM 600 Views
Yes, I did read Jake's intro piece there. *NM* Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:23:44 PM 604 Views
I figured you were not accurate enough. jh - 19/04/2010 07:26:54 PM 1097 Views
Pffft. Accuracy is for nerds. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:31:52 PM 1183 Views
That was the one I read. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 01:43:01 AM 1312 Views
Read a swedish translation back then. jh - 19/04/2010 07:28:14 PM 1028 Views
Yes, the version I read was translated from polish. All the names were intact from the original *NM* Dragonsworn - 20/04/2010 12:17:42 AM 601 Views
I read it in Czech wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:40:05 PM 1360 Views
I also read a Swedish translation. Linda - 19/04/2010 07:41:31 PM 1467 Views
1970 translation from French to English by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox everynametaken - 20/04/2010 02:20:42 AM 1213 Views
I have a different opinion on this. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:17:06 PM 1115 Views
I've read it in Polish Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:32:33 AM 945 Views
Re: So it's flat and boring? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:50:38 PM 1074 Views
Re: Does anyone know why the Polish publishers haven't commissioned another translation? Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:04:38 AM 1071 Views
Rights issues, I beieve Larry - 24/04/2010 10:48:53 AM 1115 Views
So 'we' have read the novel in 6 different languages. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:20:02 PM 957 Views
I read the English from French translation Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:10:42 PM 929 Views
This was my general experience as well. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:53:58 PM 980 Views
So. Uh. The chick's name was Rheya in the book I read. Not in other translations? Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:42:16 PM 1088 Views
Her name in the original is Harey, it got changed to Rheya somewhere along the way of the wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:49:33 PM 1104 Views
In Russian it was just Hari, or, more precisely, Хари. *NM* Tom - 19/04/2010 10:28:49 PM 579 Views
I haven't looked into the reasons yet, outside of what would seem obvious, Jacob - 19/04/2010 09:26:11 PM 1128 Views
Re: I think the translators just thought Harey wasn't immediately accessible as a feminine name. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:59:17 AM 1184 Views
That is what I assumed as well. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:40:45 PM 998 Views
I probably got more out of it than I first thought. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:37:52 PM 918 Views
Re: I do that too! Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:51:39 PM 949 Views
It is certainly a book that makes you think... Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:46:31 PM 972 Views
Literature vs. Genre Fiction Jacob - 21/04/2010 02:33:21 PM 1149 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction lyringlas - 21/04/2010 08:44:24 PM 1107 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:19:31 PM 980 Views
Re: Panorphaeon - 21/04/2010 09:09:02 PM 1042 Views
How do you know Solaris was an advanced intelligence? Tom - 22/04/2010 01:20:35 AM 975 Views
Fair enough. Panorphaeon - 22/04/2010 09:04:58 PM 1037 Views
But I think that is Lem's point. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:20:18 AM 1056 Views
Good point Tom. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:14:23 AM 949 Views
It's definitely literature Tom - 22/04/2010 01:19:34 AM 910 Views
You might be winning me over to your thoughts here. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:42:33 PM 901 Views
In all fairness to my opponents, Solaris is one of my strongest cases. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:16:20 PM 859 Views
As long as you realize... Legolas - 26/04/2010 10:26:00 PM 939 Views
This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:49:39 PM 986 Views
Re: This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:15:38 AM 1014 Views
Very well put. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:51:27 PM 929 Views
Re: Very well put. Camilla - 17/05/2010 06:53:13 PM 1027 Views
This book is definitely literature. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:59:48 AM 1052 Views
Re: This discussion gives me hives. *NM* Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:52:09 PM 554 Views
Understandable. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:31:08 PM 916 Views
Hmmm Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:18:42 PM 1017 Views
What didn't you enjoy? Jacob - 21/04/2010 09:47:06 PM 916 Views
I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:17:22 AM 887 Views
This was what I disliked too Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:46:05 AM 1104 Views
Re: I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:33:14 AM 967 Views
Re: I found it made this stark contrast with his descriptions of his own, more human environment. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:56:40 AM 1169 Views
That is an interesting take. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:53:23 PM 1018 Views
I didn't really find anything difficult about it. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:38:48 AM 993 Views
The only thing that bothered me... Jacob - 03/05/2010 07:06:42 PM 1139 Views
So, is there really anything to discuss about the story itself? Larry - 22/04/2010 08:55:03 AM 1092 Views
Apparently not. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:38:24 PM 1143 Views
True Larry - 22/04/2010 09:29:53 PM 966 Views
Point of fact, Jacob - 23/04/2010 02:53:47 PM 1014 Views
Perhaps it's time for a self-reevaluation then Larry - 24/04/2010 10:45:44 AM 1342 Views
They never claimed to have a monopoly on guiding the discussions. I am just happy they are starting Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:51:01 PM 974 Views
Thank you for telling me how I should prioritize my life, Larry. Jacob - 26/04/2010 04:54:01 PM 1146 Views
At least I am not as quick to repeat the same excuses Larry - 26/04/2010 05:13:08 PM 1294 Views
I was originally gonna reply to your previous post, then decided not to. Guess I will now. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:42:15 PM 1138 Views
Thank you. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:41:17 PM 1095 Views
Well, when my sleeping is screwed up, interpretations are going to be wonky, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:21:57 PM 1063 Views
One point... Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:34:02 PM 986 Views
Posting while irritated and about to crash does little good, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:20:19 PM 1062 Views
The delay to the review is my fault. I've got a mostly finished one. I'm just not happy with it. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:19:35 PM 1034 Views
It wasn't the review I was irritated about, but thanks for doing it Larry - 27/04/2010 07:39:08 PM 933 Views
Ah. OK. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:47:09 PM 1091 Views
Thanks Larry - 27/04/2010 07:58:54 PM 985 Views
I'm a bit ambivalent on the merits of this approach of yours. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:32:19 PM 927 Views
You highlight my only frustration with the thread. Tom - 26/04/2010 05:48:01 PM 1263 Views
I am mostly just trying the approach out as something a little bit different. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:23:12 PM 1042 Views
Re: So what do you think about any of those things? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 08:30:55 PM 955 Views
I've posted my thoughts on most of those issues in various places in this discussion. Tom - 24/04/2010 05:02:44 AM 1122 Views
Re: I think I'd just like for you to be more proactive and Start A Thread. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:50:26 AM 1044 Views
I was sort of being lazy. I'll do so now. *NM* Tom - 25/04/2010 03:20:12 PM 558 Views
A question about Lem. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:49:57 AM 1014 Views
I've only read one other book by him, The Cyberiad Larry - 23/04/2010 04:03:19 AM 1089 Views
Re: A question about Lem. Ellestra - 23/04/2010 07:26:18 PM 1070 Views
Thanks. everynametaken - 24/04/2010 06:42:05 AM 1101 Views
Yes Camilla - 24/04/2010 02:43:17 PM 1054 Views
My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:50:10 AM 1323 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:49:04 PM 1217 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:35:48 PM 1108 Views
I came away with the same message you did on the first point. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:46:09 PM 953 Views
Re: My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:31:32 PM 1111 Views
Re: So I have no team spirit and should be lynched. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:41:48 PM 945 Views
I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:27:34 AM 943 Views
Solaris was, I hope, better than Avatar. Tom - 25/04/2010 04:54:12 AM 908 Views
Re: I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Ellestra - 25/04/2010 01:52:19 PM 991 Views
It had more to do with recognizing mankind's tendency to imposes their ideas on other cultures. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:35:25 PM 1033 Views
Misplaced answer . *NM* Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:40:27 PM 475 Views
On identity and communication: do we love only ourselves? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:35:34 PM 992 Views
I did spend a lot of the book speculating on what the planet was trying to do with those supressed Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:05:38 PM 1070 Views
The argument: (From the text and some thoughts) Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:22:34 PM 926 Views
Yes Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:10:30 PM 1083 Views
That is a great idea... Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:58:48 PM 1029 Views
Re: That is a great idea... Camilla - 17/05/2010 07:02:44 PM 1029 Views
That settles it. I am going to have to reread it. Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:23:14 AM 968 Views
It is interesting you should say that. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:56:26 PM 1214 Views
That is the second time this week that I have heard something about Derrida. Now I am going to have Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:02:56 AM 1071 Views
Derrida is great. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:06:49 AM 1084 Views
Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:40:57 PM 965 Views
I can't decide. Rebekah - 25/04/2010 03:54:39 PM 1112 Views
An interesting point to consider... everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:41:17 PM 1114 Views
Re: I can't decide. Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:05:21 PM 918 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:31:58 PM 1087 Views
Ooohhhh. I like that theory. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 11:32:15 PM 1083 Views
Does it make a difference? Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:29:44 PM 930 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:57:05 PM 1060 Views
What do you think the biggest message of the book is? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:47:03 PM 1027 Views
Re: Does he let go of her? How independant is she of him? Danae al'Thor - 25/04/2010 04:07:33 PM 1069 Views
That's an interesting observation. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:23:28 PM 958 Views
Re: I was telling Tashmere... Danae al'Thor - 11/05/2010 11:05:09 AM 1090 Views
Re: What do you think the biggest message of the book is? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:16:16 PM 1009 Views
Communication with the entirely other Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:01:37 PM 1042 Views
Did anyone else do any wondering what their own visitors would take the form of if they were there? Tashmere - 26/04/2010 11:31:27 PM 951 Views
Actually, no. It was obvious to me. *NM* Tom - 26/04/2010 11:41:22 PM 458 Views
In a way yes. Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:33:43 PM 1034 Views
My father, perhaps. Panorphaeon - 27/04/2010 08:55:18 PM 943 Views
Ha. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:16:56 PM 964 Views
Re: You know, the more I think about it, the more surprised I am everyone only seemed to have one. Danae al'Thor - 10/05/2010 10:08:23 PM 1006 Views
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