#beneficient

Downton Abbey (with mum) 2x03

Downton is turned into a convalescent hospital for the war-wounded and, through circumstances, Thomas is given authority in its operation. Anna and Bates are briefly reunited, and Branson plots against a heroic general who is dining at Downton.

Merlin 5x02 Arthur's Bane: Part Two

Merlin and Arthur are route-marched to Morgana's wintry hide-out. Mordred shows them some kindness but Merlin, having glimpsed the future, mistrusts him.

Invincible 4x07 Don't Do Anything Rash

Following a costly victory at Talescria, the Coalition of Planets launches a bold strike against the Viltrum Empire's homeworld. The resulting battle becomes a brutal clash where both forces endure catastrophic casualties.

Does anyone remember J. Thorp?

That's me. Forget the rumors you may have heard.

I want to talk about two sets of books with common themes.

Terry Pratchett and Philip Pullman both discuss dark matter, the invisible matter all over the universe which (I think) is mathematically proven to exist. Without this unaccounted-for matter, there would not be enough and things would supposedly fall apart.

Terry Pratchett's and Philip Pullman's sets of fantasy novels tell us that dark matter is the consciousness of the universe.

What they don't agree on is what kind of consciousness it is.

Terry Pratchett says dark matter constitutes the Auditors of the Universe. The auditors make all the laws and do all the paperwork, and attempt to crush intelligent life because intelligent life is too messy, affecting everything with unrealistic beliefs. Their communication with us is a projection of fear and doubt into our minds: "Do you not feel small in a big universe? That is what they are singing. It is the fear and hatred that matter has for life, and they are the bearers of that hatred."

Philip Pullman, on the other hand, says that dark matter is angels. Some angels wish us well, but others do not. A religious scientist studying dark matter begins to communicate with the angels using sophisticated technology, and she tunes in to beneficient ones. Even God is apparently dark matter, an angel itself. Most of the angels were once humans.