Flatland
Edwin A. Abbott
23 people recommended it in 17 threads, 2008–2024.
1 commenter pushed back on it — worth reading the threads.
What people on Hacker News said
Flatland, by Edwin A. Abbott - creative parable that's very helpful for conceptualizing abstract concepts of topology and higher dimensions
Set as a satire of Victorian society "The story describes a two-dimensional world occupied by geometric figures, whereof women are simple line-segments, while men are polygons with various numbers of sides. The narrator is a square named A Square, a member of the caste of gentlemen and professionals, who guides the readers through some of the implications of life in two dimensions."
I still think of Flatland from times to times, as I'm jealous and amazed of the brain of its author.
Flatland - An old book, but opened up the other dimension idea for me a lot.
It was a great book that helped get my teenage enquiring mind to look at maths, science and thinking in different ways. Not a text book - but well worth a read.
I think it's a wonderful and amusing book, full of philosophical and political meaning that can be read at almost any age.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: What were the best books you read this year? 2024 · 3 recommendations
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- Ask HN: What is the most mind blowing book you've ever read? 2015 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book are you reading? 2014 · 1 recommendation
- The Best Science Fiction Books (According to Reddit) 2011 · 1 recommendation
- Ask YC: What's the most inspiring sci-fi book you've read? 2008 · 1 recommendation