2015

A look back at what I got up to in 2015.

Sydney Opera House

Books

History of Philosophy

This year I read The History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell. This is a truly remarkable work, which will grant you at least a basic understanding of the key ideas of all the major western philosophers. More interestingly, Russell seems to situate them in a great chain of thought, leading up to his own philosophical ideas. The book begins very dryly, as the ancient Greek philosophers largely seem to be making stuff up, and Russell tears their positions to pieces pretty thoroughly. It picks up markedly once we reach the enlightenment, and philosophers begin to work with a baseline understanding of the scientific method. I found myself unable to wade through the chapter on Kant, but otherwise managed to make it all the way through.

Sapiens

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari is a brief history of humankind. As the author puts it: 'Animals are such as they are,' but we humans have created myth and culture - this is the story of how those created myths have shaped the world. A very readable, enjoyable book that will make you look at the human species in a slightly different light.

Two Serpents Rise

Two Serpents Rise by Max Gladstone is fantasy, but with a difference. Rather than the standard, European-influenced fantasy, this is set in a world where ancient American cultures have created a society where gods are real, and bound into servitude as a source of power, in a way that feels very capitalist. Don't want to get into spoilers, but the antagonist's plan and motivations, in particular, are very well fleshed out.

The Martian

The Martian by Andy Weir is pretty much as good as everyone says it is. Starts with an astronaut getting stranded on Mars, and his subsequent attempts to get back. Very much written for and by nerds who care about getting technical details right. Rather different to the movie, but that's pretty great too, and probably more accessible.

The Witcher 3

I couldn't actually finish The Witcher 3 this year, but it's a remarkable achievement of a game, and is the most alive a game world has felt to me in years.

Sandman

I read about half-way through Sandman, and intend to finish it. Very creative, interesting comic with some great world-building. Most of the volumes seem to work as stand-alone stories, which is nice.

Places

I traveled to northern California, and had the chance to visit quite a few places, getting a more rounded view of the state than my previous trip to LA.

Berkeley

San Francisco

Mission District

Big Sur Big Sur

Carmel Carmel

Monterey

Alcatraz

I also took some time to travel down to Victoria.

Bendigo Bendigo

Melbourne

Echuca Echuca

Finally, I had a chance to slip away for two mini-holidays in different parts of New South Wales.

Jindabyne

Events

Went to see The Decemberists, first time I'd been to see live music in a long while. Left with an increased appreciation for a band that I already quite liked.

Decemberists