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محافظان کهکشان
بن هران که به آزادی اختیار موجودات هوشمند معتقد است، مردم سیاره های کهکشانش را آزاد میگذارد تا خود هر گونه که میخواهند زندگی و عمل کنند. اما به بهای وجود برخی نقاط ضعف مانند جنگها، تبعیضها، فقر، آلودگی محیط زیست....
مایلین عضو شورای رهبری دنیایی آتویی است که بر تمام کهکشانهای هستی نظارت دارد. او مبتکر شیوه نظارت بر سیاره های مسکونی است. که مردم به دور از هر گونه خشونت در رفاه و همیاری و همزیستی و سلامتی کامل زندگی کنند اما بهای گزافی دارد...
لوئیس لارنسس در این کتاب خواننده را به سفر میبرد. سفری به نقاط مختلف هستی و مرزهای بیکران تخیل....
مایلین عضو شورای رهبری دنیایی آتویی است که بر تمام کهکشانهای هستی نظارت دارد. او مبتکر شیوه نظارت بر سیاره های مسکونی است. که مردم به دور از هر گونه خشونت در رفاه و همیاری و همزیستی و سلامتی کامل زندگی کنند اما بهای گزافی دارد...
لوئیس لارنسس در این کتاب خواننده را به سفر میبرد. سفری به نقاط مختلف هستی و مرزهای بیکران تخیل....
296 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
3 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Louise Lawrence
39 books57 followersElizabeth Holden, better known by her pen name Louise Lawrence, is an English science fiction author, acclaimed during the 1970s and 1980s.
Lawrence was born in Leatherhead, Surrey, England, in 1943. She became fascinated with Wales at a young age, and has set many of her novels there. She left school early on to become an assistant librarian. She married and had the first of her three children in 1963. Her departure from the library, she recalls, gave her the potential to turn toward writing: "Deprived of book-filled surroundings, I was bound to write my own."
Lawrence was born in Leatherhead, Surrey, England, in 1943. She became fascinated with Wales at a young age, and has set many of her novels there. She left school early on to become an assistant librarian. She married and had the first of her three children in 1963. Her departure from the library, she recalls, gave her the potential to turn toward writing: "Deprived of book-filled surroundings, I was bound to write my own."
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 19, 2022
5 stars, always Golden
I want it to be a series! I want more@
this was my first space sci-fi book, I found it accidentally & read it in my teen years, it turns out to be one of my favourites & comfort books that I like to return to once in a while.
the characterization was great, lovely, well-designed, likable, realistic
the world building was interesting
the concept, a misunderstood kind of philosophy
if you want to read a Space Galactic novel with beautiful descriptions, this is perfect. I recommend this to everyone who enjoys stars & astronomy.
I want it to be a series! I want more@
this was my first space sci-fi book, I found it accidentally & read it in my teen years, it turns out to be one of my favourites & comfort books that I like to return to once in a while.
the characterization was great, lovely, well-designed, likable, realistic
the world building was interesting
the concept, a misunderstood kind of philosophy
if you want to read a Space Galactic novel with beautiful descriptions, this is perfect. I recommend this to everyone who enjoys stars & astronomy.
May 8, 2022
بالاخره تموم شد
و آخرش فهمیدم که اصلاً لازم نبوده بخونمش
اما بد نبود خوندنش
بیشتر مایلم بهش 2ونیم ستاره بدم البته
و آخرش فهمیدم که اصلاً لازم نبوده بخونمش
اما بد نبود خوندنش
بیشتر مایلم بهش 2ونیم ستاره بدم البته
June 28, 2014
Great philosophical points
August 22, 2023
مفهوم کلیش باز برمیگرده به ادم ها و آزادی و رفتار های بد و خوب و....
یه کتاب سبک و کم حجم
«و او هنوز نمیداند که چه چیز را میداند»
یه کتاب سبک و کم حجم
«و او هنوز نمیداند که چه چیز را میداند»
March 6, 2016
An interesting YA read, which centres around the question of free will and whether or not it is better to have responsibility for your own actions and end in disaster, or be sheltered from them but be stultified and robbed of creativity and a spiritual dimension to life.
Christopher is flying to Greece to take on a menial job as an escape from the life mapped out for him - University, a money earning high flying job - which he dreads, when the plane explodes and he is the sole survivor. He finds himself in the castle of Ben-Harran, one of the Galactic Controllers who are meant to be responsible for all intelligent life forms within his particular domain, which turns out to be the galaxy in which Earth is situated. However, unlike his fellow Controllers, Ben-Harran believes that such life forms must be able to evolve and learn from their mistakes rather than having satellites positioned around their worlds beaming controlling rays at them which prevent aggression but which don't allow the inhabitants to develop self control.
Ben-Harran has brought Christopher, and representatives of two other planets - Mahri, a barbarian queen, savage and tyrannical to her former people, and Kysha, a young woman from one of the planets which are controlled - to his domain, a 'castle' which is created by a form of psychic technology. Kysha has been used to learning everything by rote, including the Life Laws, rules that prevent killing of life forms and meat eating, and has severe problems adapting when she suddenly experiences negative emotions which she has never had to learn to control. Christopher meanwhile struggles to understand whether Ben-Harran is a monster or a good man. One of the planets in the Milky Way galaxy has recently been destroyed by nuclear war, which Ben-Harran could have prevented if he had been willing to suppress the aggression of its people as the rest of his colleagues are doing in their own galaxies. Now he is being summoned to the alternative dimension called Atui where his colleagues rule, to face trial and banishment to a remote world. His only possible defenders are the three people he has kidnapped and who have had to wrestle with the issue of free will for themselves.
The rulers in Atui have, in effect, appropriated the role of God and robbed their subjects of faith, as the same rays they use to keep aggression from appearing also rob people of imaginative abilities and spiritual yearnings. The central question of the novel is whether it is better to live in the safety of a predictable existence which lacks religious belief, or any true art or music, or to have the possibility of creative and spiritual evolution and fulfilment in a world where war, famine and other attrocities are permitted to exist.
Christopher is flying to Greece to take on a menial job as an escape from the life mapped out for him - University, a money earning high flying job - which he dreads, when the plane explodes and he is the sole survivor. He finds himself in the castle of Ben-Harran, one of the Galactic Controllers who are meant to be responsible for all intelligent life forms within his particular domain, which turns out to be the galaxy in which Earth is situated. However, unlike his fellow Controllers, Ben-Harran believes that such life forms must be able to evolve and learn from their mistakes rather than having satellites positioned around their worlds beaming controlling rays at them which prevent aggression but which don't allow the inhabitants to develop self control.
Ben-Harran has brought Christopher, and representatives of two other planets - Mahri, a barbarian queen, savage and tyrannical to her former people, and Kysha, a young woman from one of the planets which are controlled - to his domain, a 'castle' which is created by a form of psychic technology. Kysha has been used to learning everything by rote, including the Life Laws, rules that prevent killing of life forms and meat eating, and has severe problems adapting when she suddenly experiences negative emotions which she has never had to learn to control. Christopher meanwhile struggles to understand whether Ben-Harran is a monster or a good man. One of the planets in the Milky Way galaxy has recently been destroyed by nuclear war, which Ben-Harran could have prevented if he had been willing to suppress the aggression of its people as the rest of his colleagues are doing in their own galaxies. Now he is being summoned to the alternative dimension called Atui where his colleagues rule, to face trial and banishment to a remote world. His only possible defenders are the three people he has kidnapped and who have had to wrestle with the issue of free will for themselves.
The rulers in Atui have, in effect, appropriated the role of God and robbed their subjects of faith, as the same rays they use to keep aggression from appearing also rob people of imaginative abilities and spiritual yearnings. The central question of the novel is whether it is better to live in the safety of a predictable existence which lacks religious belief, or any true art or music, or to have the possibility of creative and spiritual evolution and fulfilment in a world where war, famine and other attrocities are permitted to exist.
August 23, 2022
Keeper of the Universe by Louise Lawrence
Christopher, who is traveling abroad to escape from college and the future his parents have mapped out for him, is kidnapped from Earth by Ben-Harran, a rebel Galactic Controller, to support the latter’s case against the High Council of Atui and its program of mandatory planetary control. Ben-Harran, a former member of the High Council, believes in non-intervention, but when he allows one of his worlds to destroy itself, Atui is determined to bring him to trial for his “crimes” and to strip him of his power and position.
Ben-Harran takes Christopher to his headquarters together with two other “specimens”: warrior queen Mahri from one of the worlds in his galaxy (evidently our own Milky Way), and a teenage girl named Kysha from a planet in a galaxy controlled by Atui. Kysha is initially disgusted by the attitudes of actions of Mahri and Christopher, but quickly becomes convinced that freedom is preferable to the passive and uncreative existence she experienced on her home planet of Erinos. Christopher, whose planet is on the brink of self-destruction, is not so sure, and finds himself attracted to the policies of Atui, which ensure that the inhabitants of their worlds are kept in a state of non-progressive peace and stability.
As other reviewers have pointed out, the central issue raised by the story is whether it is more desirable to live in a perfectly safe but largely static, predictable and uncreative environment, or to enjoy the potential for creative, intellectual and spiritual development in a world where evil is permitted to exist. As the novel develops, the reader will probably at times feel torn between the two alternatives, especially as many problems facing humanity have worsened since this book was written in 1992.
Looking at other reviews, it seems that many people who read Keeper of the Universe in their teens enjoyed it and found it meaningful and enlightening, whereas those who read it as adults may find it overbearing and moralizing. By the end of the book the author’s position on the question is quite clear, but it made me think whether apart from the two extremes presented, a third position might not also be possible: a system which imposes minimal restrictions to curb excesses, but preserves creative abilities and free will.
Despite its manifest flaws, Keeper of the Universe remains a solid piece of work which may serve to introduce younger readers to the concept that science fiction literature, besides being entertaining, can address fundamental issues that are of importance to individuals and to society as a whole.
Below are some representative quotations from the book:
"So what are you afraid of?" her father repeated. "Surely it can't be a person?" said her mother. "You can't be afraid of anyone on Erinos," said Dev. "And if you are," said her father, "there must be something seriously awry with your thinking. Remember what Master Anders says—you should think no evil, for as you think, so shall you be."
Those who controlled the universe—like the Overseers of Erinos—did so for the good of all existence, plant forms, animal forms and people. They could never defy a Galactic Controller, they said.
Thought is the greatest creative power in the universe. As you think, so shall it be.
As Christopher washed the dishes, he began to wonder. If he changed his thoughts, would his feelings change?
It was the same with people, he thought. He ought to accept what they were—Ben-Harran and Kysha and Mahri. Instead, he judged them, good or bad, his mind picking over their faults, condemning instead of accepting, liking or disliking but not respecting.
How can you play the flute with such technical perfection yet not have a clue about music? Don't you ever think about it? Thought is the greatest creative force in the universe, you told me. But you re not creative. You can't even string together a simple sequence of sounds without being taught.
Everything in life was formed of vibrations—molecules and atoms, heat and light, emotion and thought, each had its voice and its song, mostly far beyond the range of human hearing but audible now through the amplifiers nearby.
"So are they evil or stupid?" asked Kysha. "Many may be wise and kind," Mahri said gently. "I don't see any evidence of that!" Kysha retorted. "If I were to separate the strands of sound and focus on the musical vibrations of individuals, you would certainly hear them," Ben-Harran informed her. But they were ineffectual, thought Christopher, like players in an orchestra where most were out of tune and the conductor was insane. What use were a few violins playing perfectly amid the general din?
"People don't want freedom," said Christopher. "Freedom means responsibility," Christopher went on. "And who wants to be responsible for the mess we've made on Earth? No one, Ben-Harran! Given a choice, we vote away our freedom, elect governments to be responsible for us, choose to be ruled. So we may as well be ruled by Atui and the Overseers. At least they care about all people equally, create a just society and ensure the survival of the planet."
"Whatever's wrong with it?" Maelyn exclaimed. "It tried to compute a paradox," said Christopher. Kysha knew how it felt. She could no more choose between Maelyn and Ben-Harran than the Erg Unit could, but for her it was not just an intellectual problem.
"We're none of us perfect," he told her. "Ben-Harran knows that. As he said, we need to know our own darkness, need to know the worst in ourselves in order to overcome it. We learn by our mistakes—
"And kinder, and easier," said Kysha. "It's much easier to be told what to do and how to be than work it out for yourself." "But is it right?" asked Christopher.
Earth would become like Erinos, forever tranquil, forever happy, forever secure. He thought of it longingly, an ideal existence . . . but he did not feel sure it was right.
Kysha stared at him. "But you must have guessed," she said. "Surely no race of beings could be so conceited or so arrogant as to think they're the only intelligent life form in the universe? I mean, there are billions of star systems in thousands of galaxies, so obviously other life forms must exist. It's common sense, isn't it?" But they did, thought Christopher. They did think they were the only intelligent life form in the universe. And if they learned the truth, it would make no difference. A breed unable to accept fellowship even among its own kind would be hardly likely to acknowledge kinship with species such as these.
"It is we who are responsible, Lady of Atui. It is we who make our worlds as they are, each and every one of us."
Had Zeeda been destroyed by a supernova I think you would not be protesting thus. Extinctions happen in the material universe . . . you know that. And what has been lost by this happening? That which is created can never be destroyed, remember? Only its form may be changed . . .
His head denies the wisdom of his heart.
Christopher, who is traveling abroad to escape from college and the future his parents have mapped out for him, is kidnapped from Earth by Ben-Harran, a rebel Galactic Controller, to support the latter’s case against the High Council of Atui and its program of mandatory planetary control. Ben-Harran, a former member of the High Council, believes in non-intervention, but when he allows one of his worlds to destroy itself, Atui is determined to bring him to trial for his “crimes” and to strip him of his power and position.
Ben-Harran takes Christopher to his headquarters together with two other “specimens”: warrior queen Mahri from one of the worlds in his galaxy (evidently our own Milky Way), and a teenage girl named Kysha from a planet in a galaxy controlled by Atui. Kysha is initially disgusted by the attitudes of actions of Mahri and Christopher, but quickly becomes convinced that freedom is preferable to the passive and uncreative existence she experienced on her home planet of Erinos. Christopher, whose planet is on the brink of self-destruction, is not so sure, and finds himself attracted to the policies of Atui, which ensure that the inhabitants of their worlds are kept in a state of non-progressive peace and stability.
As other reviewers have pointed out, the central issue raised by the story is whether it is more desirable to live in a perfectly safe but largely static, predictable and uncreative environment, or to enjoy the potential for creative, intellectual and spiritual development in a world where evil is permitted to exist. As the novel develops, the reader will probably at times feel torn between the two alternatives, especially as many problems facing humanity have worsened since this book was written in 1992.
Looking at other reviews, it seems that many people who read Keeper of the Universe in their teens enjoyed it and found it meaningful and enlightening, whereas those who read it as adults may find it overbearing and moralizing. By the end of the book the author’s position on the question is quite clear, but it made me think whether apart from the two extremes presented, a third position might not also be possible: a system which imposes minimal restrictions to curb excesses, but preserves creative abilities and free will.
Despite its manifest flaws, Keeper of the Universe remains a solid piece of work which may serve to introduce younger readers to the concept that science fiction literature, besides being entertaining, can address fundamental issues that are of importance to individuals and to society as a whole.
Below are some representative quotations from the book:
"So what are you afraid of?" her father repeated. "Surely it can't be a person?" said her mother. "You can't be afraid of anyone on Erinos," said Dev. "And if you are," said her father, "there must be something seriously awry with your thinking. Remember what Master Anders says—you should think no evil, for as you think, so shall you be."
Those who controlled the universe—like the Overseers of Erinos—did so for the good of all existence, plant forms, animal forms and people. They could never defy a Galactic Controller, they said.
Thought is the greatest creative power in the universe. As you think, so shall it be.
As Christopher washed the dishes, he began to wonder. If he changed his thoughts, would his feelings change?
It was the same with people, he thought. He ought to accept what they were—Ben-Harran and Kysha and Mahri. Instead, he judged them, good or bad, his mind picking over their faults, condemning instead of accepting, liking or disliking but not respecting.
How can you play the flute with such technical perfection yet not have a clue about music? Don't you ever think about it? Thought is the greatest creative force in the universe, you told me. But you re not creative. You can't even string together a simple sequence of sounds without being taught.
Everything in life was formed of vibrations—molecules and atoms, heat and light, emotion and thought, each had its voice and its song, mostly far beyond the range of human hearing but audible now through the amplifiers nearby.
"So are they evil or stupid?" asked Kysha. "Many may be wise and kind," Mahri said gently. "I don't see any evidence of that!" Kysha retorted. "If I were to separate the strands of sound and focus on the musical vibrations of individuals, you would certainly hear them," Ben-Harran informed her. But they were ineffectual, thought Christopher, like players in an orchestra where most were out of tune and the conductor was insane. What use were a few violins playing perfectly amid the general din?
"People don't want freedom," said Christopher. "Freedom means responsibility," Christopher went on. "And who wants to be responsible for the mess we've made on Earth? No one, Ben-Harran! Given a choice, we vote away our freedom, elect governments to be responsible for us, choose to be ruled. So we may as well be ruled by Atui and the Overseers. At least they care about all people equally, create a just society and ensure the survival of the planet."
"Whatever's wrong with it?" Maelyn exclaimed. "It tried to compute a paradox," said Christopher. Kysha knew how it felt. She could no more choose between Maelyn and Ben-Harran than the Erg Unit could, but for her it was not just an intellectual problem.
"We're none of us perfect," he told her. "Ben-Harran knows that. As he said, we need to know our own darkness, need to know the worst in ourselves in order to overcome it. We learn by our mistakes—
"And kinder, and easier," said Kysha. "It's much easier to be told what to do and how to be than work it out for yourself." "But is it right?" asked Christopher.
Earth would become like Erinos, forever tranquil, forever happy, forever secure. He thought of it longingly, an ideal existence . . . but he did not feel sure it was right.
Kysha stared at him. "But you must have guessed," she said. "Surely no race of beings could be so conceited or so arrogant as to think they're the only intelligent life form in the universe? I mean, there are billions of star systems in thousands of galaxies, so obviously other life forms must exist. It's common sense, isn't it?" But they did, thought Christopher. They did think they were the only intelligent life form in the universe. And if they learned the truth, it would make no difference. A breed unable to accept fellowship even among its own kind would be hardly likely to acknowledge kinship with species such as these.
"It is we who are responsible, Lady of Atui. It is we who make our worlds as they are, each and every one of us."
Had Zeeda been destroyed by a supernova I think you would not be protesting thus. Extinctions happen in the material universe . . . you know that. And what has been lost by this happening? That which is created can never be destroyed, remember? Only its form may be changed . . .
His head denies the wisdom of his heart.
August 7, 2024
fabulously beautiful and charming.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews