Wagnerism Alert
Sam Altman used his blog to warn that the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI) has taken on a "ring of power" mentality, where the desire to control the technology drives extreme behavior. He likens the obsession to Tolkien’s mythic ring, but notes the concept actually originates with composer Wagner. The article, titled "Wagnerism," critiques the concentration of AI power among tech billionaires and cautions that their unchecked influence could have destabilizing consequences for society.
Nightafternight Playlist
The Nightafternight playlist curates a selection of recent classical releases across major labels. Highlights include Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 with Paavo Järvi, Grandval’s opera Mazeppa, and Shostakovich’s Symphonies 2 and 5 performed by the BBC Philharmonic. New works from John Luther Adams and...
When Susan Sontag Met Thomas Mann
The New Yorker essay explores the unlikely encounter between cultural critics Susan Sontag and Thomas Mann, framing it as a clash of mid‑century intellectual temperaments. It recounts how Sontag, then a rising essayist, sought Mann’s endorsement while grappling with his...
Translating Mann (II)
When Thomas Mann’s works entered the public domain at the start of 2024, publishers quickly moved to release new editions. Oxford University Press issued fresh translations of Buddenbrooks, The Magic Mountain and Doctor Faustus, while Norton announced a competing Magic Mountain...