I'm so happy to have found another Frank Herbert fan here on Liberty Substack!
Self-discipline is definitely a big theme in "Dune." When Paul is tested to see if he can hold his hand in the "agony box" that feels like it's roasting the flesh from his bones, the goal is to determine whether he is "a human or an animal," with the clear suggestion that self-control is the defining characteristic of humanity.
It's worth noting that, earlier in this same chapter, Paul reviews a "mind -body lesson," which states in part, "one does not obtain food-safety-freedom by instinct alone." Indeed, one does not!
In contrast to the disciplined Atreides family, the Harkonnens are depicted as grossly self-indulgent, with Rabban even nicknamed "The Beast," in what I presume is a reference to the "human or animal" dichotomy.
There's so much more ...Herbert was both ahead of his time and timeless.
I'm so happy to have found another Frank Herbert fan here on Liberty Substack!
Self-discipline is definitely a big theme in "Dune." When Paul is tested to see if he can hold his hand in the "agony box" that feels like it's roasting the flesh from his bones, the goal is to determine whether he is "a human or an animal," with the clear suggestion that self-control is the defining characteristic of humanity.
It's worth noting that, earlier in this same chapter, Paul reviews a "mind -body lesson," which states in part, "one does not obtain food-safety-freedom by instinct alone." Indeed, one does not!
In contrast to the disciplined Atreides family, the Harkonnens are depicted as grossly self-indulgent, with Rabban even nicknamed "The Beast," in what I presume is a reference to the "human or animal" dichotomy.
There's so much more ...Herbert was both ahead of his time and timeless.
I feel seen... :D