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dorianjozai's review against another edition
4.0
“our existence is a point, our lifespan an instant, our planet an atom. Hardly do we begin to learn a little when death arrives, before we get any experience. As for me, I do not dare make any plans.”
A good short story that shows us how infinitely small we are and how ephemeral life is. That amongst planets, commets and stars we are minuscule particles flying around in a not so big rock in a not so big galaxy. Micromegas was funny, witty and a quick read for those who are interested on the point of life.
Loved the message about knowledge and the meaning of life!
A good short story that shows us how infinitely small we are and how ephemeral life is. That amongst planets, commets and stars we are minuscule particles flying around in a not so big rock in a not so big galaxy. Micromegas was funny, witty and a quick read for those who are interested on the point of life.
Loved the message about knowledge and the meaning of life!
isabellesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I just adore this little story. If I had read it years ago I probably would have been bored out of my mind, but after growing up (and taking a philosophy course) it was perfect. Bursts with imagination and deep thought.
eve_16's review against another edition
Had to read it for an exam but didn’t have the time to finish it, I passed the exam and this wasn’t even topic in one of the exercises so I don’t see why I should finish this
brenticus's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fun short story highlighting our limited ability to perceive the universe and, thus, our limited ability to see the universe, with a special poke of fun at the idea that religion has all the answers.
Pretty funny, and I quite like the idea that even Micromegas itself, with such powers beyond our understanding, has no answers to the nature of things. Really helps underscore that his references to a supreme being are a matter of faith and belief, nor rational understanding. Just a lovely little bow on the whole thing.
Pretty funny, and I quite like the idea that even Micromegas itself, with such powers beyond our understanding, has no answers to the nature of things. Really helps underscore that his references to a supreme being are a matter of faith and belief, nor rational understanding. Just a lovely little bow on the whole thing.
autumnalsnow's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
1st read • 2.75
2d read • 2.5
2d read • 2.5
mabusecast's review
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My first time reading a piece of fiction from Voltaire and I get the hype around his brand of wit/satire!
Not only did Voltaire write an great early piece of science fiction with this story of giant alien philosophers from both Sirius and the planet Saturn, but he lays bare just how tiny and insignificant the man made problems of human race really are!
Voltaire does this all In around 36 pages and he makes us laugh about it the whole time! This feels like the 1700s equivalent of a really great episode of the show “Futurama” and I loved every word/page if it!
Not only did Voltaire write an great early piece of science fiction with this story of giant alien philosophers from both Sirius and the planet Saturn, but he lays bare just how tiny and insignificant the man made problems of human race really are!
Voltaire does this all In around 36 pages and he makes us laugh about it the whole time! This feels like the 1700s equivalent of a really great episode of the show “Futurama” and I loved every word/page if it!
flicker_black's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.25
1.25 stars
One thing I appreciated in this book was that it was short and so I'll make the review short as well. I don't know what this was supposed to be, I neither got the philosophy nor the history or the satire, people gushing about this books says how the scales mentioned in the books makes them understood how insignificant humans are and stuffs but the way I see it, it could have done better in a straightforward manner. I did like Voltaire's Candide (the satire mixed with despair their was amazing and accessible) and so I probably will give him another chance.
One thing I appreciated in this book was that it was short and so I'll make the review short as well. I don't know what this was supposed to be, I neither got the philosophy nor the history or the satire, people gushing about this books says how the scales mentioned in the books makes them understood how insignificant humans are and stuffs but the way I see it, it could have done better in a straightforward manner. I did like Voltaire's Candide (the satire mixed with despair their was amazing and accessible) and so I probably will give him another chance.