Blindsight
Peter Watts
70 people recommended it in 34 threads, 2011–2025.
6 commenters pushed back on it — worth reading the threads.
What people on Hacker News said
Amazing first alien encounter book that should be read by everyone that is a fan of the genre. Memorable cast of characters...the Vampires are really interesting. All kinds of introductory scientific concepts throughout. Entertaining and educational.
A romping and intellectually trusting sci-fi involving space vampires. Good biology. Made me seriously question the nature of consciousness.
It's a fascinating bit of SF that explores some really fascinating ideas about how consciousness works.
Not because it's a great fiction story (it is), but because it introduced me to the concept of Unconscious Intelligence. We take it for granted that "sleeping on a problem" or "going for a walk" can lead us to great ideas and breakthroughs.
It explores several different interesting ideas. For instance, what is the point of empathy/friendship/love in a technologically advanced society?
This hard sci-fi novel explores the nature of consciousness and humanity's first contact with a terrifyingly alien intelligence.
brilliant ideas, VERY challenging plots. I wish I didn't get so confused by the end of each book.
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