The Green Brain is a timely piece reflecting on the results of mankind’s attempts to halt and suppress the growth of nature and her denizens. Published in 1966, Herbert’s words still ring true– though the form and aspect of the threat has transformed into something different than he might have imagined. The external issues are writ large through rather extreme creations befitting the genre, providing a fitting reminder of the internal turmoil of the main characters. Thus I found it subtly pensive; not brooding thanks to its brevity, but introspective nonetheless.

Below are some of my favorite sections and quotations. I noticed in reviewing them once collected that they are strikingly similar to a collection I made while reading Destination: Void, another Herbert work. I’ll have to dig those out soon as well. And, of course, I recommend reading this book.

Pg 121:

That fact should have been part of the original report, the Brain thought. The messengers must be taught not to intervene, but report all details complete with weight-by-source. But how can this be done? They’re creatures of firm reflex and tied to a self-limiting system.

Obviously new messengers would have to be designed and bred.  Read more... (1297 words, estimated 5:11 mins reading time)


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