Richard Littler2d ago
Just rewatched Lord of the Rings. I'd forgotten that Sauron's seeing-stone is called Palantir. So, democracy-sceptic, demon-believing Peter Thiel names his company (and models its logo?) after a device that allows an all-seeing evil eye to "broadcast propaganda" and control what people can and can't see in the service of malevolence... And the UK gov thought: "Yes, let's hire that company to look after our defence, policing, financial and health systems"?
https://www.reuters.com/technology/uk-lawmakers-call-palantirs-role-public-sector-an-unacceptable-weakness-2026-06-02/
Show threadOlivier Pynoh2d ago
@Richard_Littler yeah, when I first heard the name of the company, I couldn't believe it either. It's really calling yourself "BadGuyCompany"
Show threadColman Reilly2d ago

@Pynoh @Richard_Littler Palantirs traditionally had positive uses — Sauron had corrupted them.

My information is that all the, arguably useful for national security, analysis functions of Palantir have been disbanded in last year or two because who needs experts?

Show threadCynAq🤘2d ago
@Colman @Pynoh @Richard_Littler I think the lesson Tolkien was going for was “there’s no incorruptible all-seeing-eye-technology so don’t pursue it”.
Show threadArchmage of Procrastination

@CynAq @Colman @Pynoh @Richard_Littler

I think the lesson is that the making of the world was corrupted at the start, and it is EVERYONE's job to fix what they can, with what they have, whereever they are. That should be your purpose in life.

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
-- Gandalf

Jun 7 at 3:39pmWeb
Show threadCynAq🤘1d ago

@Zygos

Sorry, I should’ve remembered that individual story elements can’t have lessons or meanings worth talking about and only the overall, distilled message of the whole novel has value.

Show threadArchmage of Procrastination1d ago

@CynAq

Have a great day. No matter what occurs.