Herbert attempted to sell his books as anti-messianic: a narrative caution against deifying political or religious leaders for fear that they might turn out evil.
Unfortunately, he created a world in which a messiah—and a tyrannical one at that—is metaphysically necessary for the survival of the species. Paul Atreides and his scions can see the future, and are compelled to commit grave evils for the sake of a greater good that they alone can foresee. This is the claim every strongman makes, but in the case of the Atreides, it is actually true.
Herbert constructs the one world in which blind political messianism might actually be merited.
🚨💙❤️ Leo Messi secretly visited the new Spotify Camp Nou last night. 🏟️
“Last night I returned to place that I miss with my soul. A place where I was immensely happy”.
“I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I could never do...”. 🧨