Wisdom of the Sand: Philosophy and Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune

Frank Herbert wrote six novels now referred to as The Dune Chronicles. The Chronicles are famous for their tightly woven narratives, colourful characters, and plans-within-plans multilayered plot-lines and intrigue. This book culls from the pages ofThe Chronicles not the action, adventure or drama (as presented in the movies), but the politics, religion and communicology of Dune- the underlying philosophy that motivates the characters to action. The purpose of this book is to unpack Herbert’s ideas, and to find a place for them in our lives, learning, knowledge and wisdom. Herbert gives us the Mentat, or human computer, as an emblem of his creation; we seek here to learn from Dune’s uncommon wisdom the Mentat’s way of perception. We seek to interpret these Chronicles in terms of these times, and within the purview of the philosophy of communication and cultural studies. Thus, this book might be called the Mentat’s Handbook -v2.0. Think of it as a Dune companion.