Cabinet of Wonders

Cabinet of Wonders explores the intersection of science, technology, complexity, humanities, and wonder through a radical interdisciplinary lens. It delves into topics from computing and AI to the humanities, showcasing the beauty and complexity of computational systems and their impact on culture, storytelling, innovation, and existential questions.

Computing and Creativity Artificial Intelligence Physics and Computing Intersection Computational Complexity Humanities and Technology AI Ethics and Alignment Philology and Computation Humanity in the Age of AI Open Source Culture Simulation and Reality Narrative and Coding Innovation and Change Historical Perspectives on Technology Educational Technology

The hottest Substack posts of Cabinet of Wonders

And their main takeaways

☞ Milton's Rainbow

184 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry History Philosophy Language Art
  1. John Milton's description of the rainbow with only three colors is tied to old ideas about primary colors. This makes us think differently about how people viewed colors in the past.
  2. Isaac Newton's influence changed the way we see rainbows, leading to the common belief that they have seven colors. His mystical views helped shape color theory and public perception.
  3. There are deeper meanings and connections to how Milton might have perceived colors, especially considering the time he lived in. Exploring these ideas can reveal a lot about history and our understanding of color.

☞ The Humanistic Computation Project

300 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Computation Humanities Science Philosophy Literature
  1. Computation can help us understand many fields, not just programming. It can connect ideas from literature, biology, philosophy, and more.
  2. The study of computation involves looking at how we think and use language. It also explores the limits of mathematics and the nature of reality.
  3. Humanistic computation blends computer science with the humanities and social sciences. This new field encourages us to think deeply about how technology and culture interact.

☞ Creating a Typeface: Humanist Computer

231 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🪑 Design Graphic design Visual Arts User Experience Typography
  1. Designing your own typeface can be a fun and creative hobby. It's a way to express yourself and combine art with practical use.
  2. Creating a monospaced typeface for coding can make programming feel more magical, like working with ancient texts.
  3. Working on a typeface is an ongoing process. Even if it's not perfect, seeing your progress can be really rewarding and inspiring.

☞ Computation and Wonder, Soon in Book Form!

254 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📚 Literature Book Publishing Writing process Literary Criticism
  1. The book 'The Magic of Code' is coming out in June 2025. It's about making computer code interesting and fun for everyone.
  2. The author wishes he had a book like this when he was younger. It connects computing to various topics like language, biology, and philosophy.
  3. Preordering the book is really important for its success. It helps boost visibility and sales when it launches.

☞ The Garden of Computational Delights

231 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Computing Innovation Data Digital Preservation Emerging Tech
  1. Computing goes beyond utilitarian purposes to bring delight and wonder through creative coding and simulations.
  2. The 'Garden of Computational Delights' is a collection of places that evoke fascination with web, programming, and computing.
  3. The boundaries of what fits in the 'Garden' are fuzzy, personal, and idiosyncratic, showcasing a diverse range of computer-related interests.
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☞ The Spreadsheet is a Simulation Machine

88 HN points • 11 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Software Digital Tools Computer Science Innovation
  1. Spreadsheets are powerful simulation machines that allow users to build little worlds, play with scenarios, and predict the future.
  2. Spreadsheets are widely used in various fields such as small businesses, hedge funds, and biology laboratories due to their power, transparency, and ease of use.
  3. The act of creating and modifying a spreadsheet is akin to world-building, where users can manipulate data, test different parameters, and see how systems respond.

☞ Multiplayer Mandelbrot

3 HN points • 09 Jan 24
🔬 Science Mathematics Technology
  1. Fractals like the Mandelbrot set contain infinite levels of complexity and beauty.
  2. Zooming into the Mandelbrot set reveals vast scales - even zoomed to a billion miles wide!
  3. Exploring the Mandelbrot set offers a realm of discovery, guaranteeing unseen mathematical caves.

☞ The Edges Cases Where Computing and Physics Intersect

4 HN points • 07 Feb 23
  1. Computers are physical devices and their physicality can lead to weird glitches and failures.
  2. Unexpected interactions between computing and the physical world can cause bizarre errors.
  3. Examples include helium affecting iPhone oscillators, a warped floor tile causing tape drive issues, and gas lift chairs affecting monitor cables.

☞ AI, the God of the Gaps, and Our Quintessential Humanity

2 HN points • 23 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Existentialism Ethics Artificial General Intelligence Humanity
  1. AI technologies are advancing rapidly and causing society to question the essence of humanity.
  2. As AI accomplishes tasks once thought unique to humans, concerns arise about job security and existential dread.
  3. It's essential to focus on our quintessential humanity, not just what makes us unique, and find meaning in our lives beyond what AI can do.

☞ The Magic of Code

1 HN point • 26 Apr 23
📚 Literature Technology Coding Books Writing Novel
  1. The author is writing a book titled 'The Magic of Code' that explores how digital language has shaped the modern world and will shape the future.
  2. The book will cover a wide range of topics such as the complexity of technology, glitches and bugs, the connection between coding and magic, old texts, simulation, and artificial life.
  3. The author aims to make the computational realm fascinating and understandable for a broad audience by providing a novel mental lens and a liberal arts-infused approach to computing.