Russian Cosmism is a Russian philosophical and cultural movement from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that fuses science, religion and metaphysics into a program asserting humanity’s cosmic destiny. It centers on radical projects such as defeating death, resurrecting ancestors by scientific means (Nikolai Fyodorov’s “Common Task”), mastering nature and colonizing space. Influences include Eastern Orthodox thought, Russian philosophical traditions and contemporary science fiction; key technical and speculative work includes Konstantin Tsiolkovsky’s early theoretical cosmonautics (his 1903 writings and panpsychist vision of galactic colonization) and Nikolai Kibalchich’s pulsed rocket concept, a precursor to Project Orion.
The movement split into philosophical/mystical, scientific/naturalistic and artistic branches, producing diverse figures: Fyodorov’s ethical program, Tsiolkovsky’s astronautical science, Vladimir Vernadsky’s noosphere, Alexander Chizhevsky’s heliobiology, Alexander Scriabin’s cosmist-inspired art, and Alexander Bogdanov’s experiments in rejuvenation via blood transfusion. Cosmism shaped Proletkult aesthetics and influenced Soviet space research, later feeding into transhumanist thought. Interest has resurged in the 21st century around space colonization, technological immortality and humanity’s role in a planetary and cosmic future.
Summary generated by AI from the linked article. hn.today is not affiliated with Hacker News or Y Combinator.
Tech workers like Palantir and Tesla employees face social stigma due to their companies' controversial work and political associations. Many resort to hiding their jobs or fabricating stories to avoid negative reactions in dating scenarios. (wired.com)
AI-generated content threatens to replace human authors and diminish creative originality. Concerns focus on the potential impact on traditional writing and literary industries. (economist.com)
NAZA, a documentary on Israeli war crimes, will be freely available online in November to ensure public access. The filmmakers also offered free screenings to Israeli cinemas to promote awareness and discussion. (twitter.com)
Ed Zitron is praised as one of the last great bloggers who writes long, well-researched posts without institutional support, often focusing on overlooked subjects like AI and the tech industry. His work combines sharp analysis, satire, and foresight, making him a unique voice in the digital landscape. (observationalepidemiology.blogspot.com)
A Chinese calligraphy workshop led by Roland Buckingham Hsiao emphasized experiential learning, combining practical writing with theoretical insights. Participants explored traditional styles and the emotional and material aspects of calligraphy, such as the example of Wang Xi-zhi's Orchid Pavilion Preface. (viewsproject.wordpress.com)
Claims suggest that AI safety discussions are centered around a controversial group led by Eliezer Yudkowsky, who is accused of running a sex cult in Berkeley. Yudkowsky's influence on AI policy and prominent figures in the industry is widely acknowledged, despite skepticism and denial from some involved parties. (verysane.ai)
Today's best Hacker News stories, summarized and screenshotted, one email a day.