The History Behind Dune | Arab Nationalism, Magic Mushrooms and The Cold War

Frank Herbert's original Dune was published in 1965, and became the best selling sci-fi novel of all time. With the release of Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two, the novel has been successfully adapted for the big screen, after decades of misfiring attempts. But what are the origins of the Dune universe? Who are the Fremen? Is it an allegory for the world we live in?
In this video, Matt Lewis talks through the history behind this epic story, from Arab nationalism to magic mushrooms and the origins of the Atreides. The script and editing was by James Carson.
Frank Herbert portrait credit: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, 2000.107.087.11.01, photo by Gilbert W. Arias.
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00:00 Intro and Plot
03:08 The Origins of Dune
06:00 Cold War in the Middle East
10:00 Arabic Influences
11:28 Religious Belief Systems
14:15 Laurence of Arabia and the Arab World
17:37 Greek Influences
21:08 Imperialism and Feudalism
22:40 Technology

[@sartanawillpay7977]

Laser weapons exist in Dune but are not used because an energy weapon hitting a shield results in a catastrophic nuclear-like explosion, killing the attacker as well as the target. There are Maula pistols that fire low velocity poison darts can penetrate a shield but but have limited range.

[@MrMann0123]

And we see both used by the Fremen in the deep desert where shields aren't used because they attract worms

[@chadrbot5505]

In later books, shields just get forgotten about and lasguns are used

[@sartanawillpay7977]

@@chadrbot5505To be honest, I couldn't make it all the way through "Heretics of Dune" even though I really liked the earlier books (except Dune Messiah).

[@Despotic_Waffle]

@@sartanawillpay7977 just finish heretics quickly, cause i heard chapterhouse dune is really good

[@himwhoisnottobenamed5427]

@@sartanawillpay7977Really? What didn’t you like about it?

[@davebenhart4611]

Paul isn't the hero of Dune. He is the protagonist, but he's definitely not a hero figure. Dune doesn't really have a traditional hero character, although Duke Leto could be argued as the tragic hero of this story.

[@Yarblocosifilitico]

@@Letsthinkaboutit-mb7nn I'd say Leto II is definitely a hero tho. His dictatorship is basically a torturing sacrifice for the sake of mankind

[@jackxiao9702]

The most unbelievable part of the books is that people would adhere to the no AI / Computers part, considering it's a fuedal society where lords go to war with each other pretty often. In real life, there would be absolutely no way they wouldn't carve out a single exception for navigation computers (that are not connected to a network), instead they implausibly all agree to rely on navigators and spice, spice which is found on a single planet that can be held hostage by anyone who controls it. Plus, for the shields, it would immediately be useless, as any losing side would just use long range lasers or drones to trigger nuclear reaction, even if it's against laws of war, especially if the defending side is losing.

[@marvinthemartian6788]

Ai and computers ran amuck at some point. Some humans transferred their consciousness into machines. That’s why the butlerian jihad took place. Supposedly the Bene gesseret kept some ai to plot the blood lines

[@waynegoldpig2220]

The many iterations of Duncan Idaho are the Hero of the Dune saga.

[@ragingtomato04]

You could argue Duke Leto is a hero in the movies but not in the book. All the science where you see duke leto as a "good leader" is just a facade for his exploitative plans in Arrakis.

[@davidsullivan7743]

I enjoyed this, but I think another historical influence for Dune would have to be the Arab conquest of the 7th century. To me, the parallels are very clear. Desert dwellers that are underestimated by everyone until they explode into a rapid war of conquest and expansion driven by religious fervour into Jihad

[@AaronOmar-co8bn]

David Sullivan, yep exactly, in the dune lore, it seems that the fremen fight despite the disadvantage with smaller force yet won because of the rough lifestyle in a desert like environment and with a new religiose fervor to boost their moral which had achieved their victory against the superior foreign powers that came to conquered or try and oppressed them. the same could be said about the southern region of the middle east, the Arabian desert was scattered across with many different tribes fighting against each other, with lack of historical and military significance in the region. while the 2 larger and most powerful empires in the 7th century, the byzantine romans controlled the western parts of the middle east, while the Sassanid Persians controlled the eastern part of the same region. which squeezed the desert dwelling Arabs in-between. the Arab tribes divided over greed, tribal warfare and conflict etc., until a prophet emerged from amongst them, united all the Arab tribes under the banner of a new religion, calling for a jihad against the Persians and romans, despite lacking in military power/might, numbers and well equipped trained troops etc., the jihad still conquered the Persians and romans, defeating both simultaneously to eventually open doors to further massive conquest in the name of religion. I think from what frank Herbert was trying to teach is the following, based of harsh environment and with a boost of a newly religious fervor to spark into their religious and military objectives is what caused them to achieve the impossible. the insignificant become the most significant coming from the lowest point to the highest point.

[@BMA967]

​3:56 ​@Letsthinkaboutit-mb7nn now there is a thought. Paul and Lawrence of Arabia. Both leaders, both outsiders, both guilt ridden. Hey maybe even oil and spice... (Actually watches whole video) Ah yes, this was well covered in the video

[@kungalexander829]

Paul Atreides is more like Prophet Muhammad than lawrence of arabia or anyone else Muhammad was born from nobility, exiled into the desert when his home was invaded by a rival faction, had prophetic visions, became a religious leader, united several tribe into a large army and became a conqueror in the end. His followers go on to conquer the byzantine and the sassanid empire in just span of decades Bascially the plot of dune

[@AaronOmar-co8bn]

​@@kungalexander829 I understand the scenario, but comparing space Islam to real-life Islam on Earth is somewhat like comparing the tangible with the speculative. Let's focus on the essence of Frank's intention. Frank's vision didn't involve Paul as any prophet; rather, he envisioned him as a Mahdi. In Sunni tradition, a Mahdi emerges in the end times and is of lineage from Ishmeal. Additionally, Moses, a conqueror and prophet, isn't explicitly designated as chosen by Frank. It's crucial to present accurate information and avoid misrepresentation of Frank's intentions." so get the info right instead of throwing guesses.

[@josemason7381]

I'm microdosing psilocybin right now, and even without therapy it makes such a difference. I feel much more at peace with myself, the constant negative self talk has stopped. I'm no longer questioning my will to live. And my focus & creativity are returning. If you feel intimidated by the idea of deeper journeys or have no one to guide you, taking the slow drip could be a good start (without contraindications of course)

[@pedroducan]

The Trips I've been having have really helped me a lot, I finally feel in control of my emotions and my future and things that used to be mundane to me now seem incredible and full of nuance on The Trips I've been having have really helped me a lot, I finally feel in control of my emotions and my future and things that used to be mundane to me now seem incredible and full of nuance on top of that I'm way less driven by my ego and I have alot more empathy as well

[@BrentRoe]

A lot of people have testified about this and I would have a go on shrooms and chocolate bars

[@AnthonyBailey-su7dd]

I've been thinking to use psychedelics for my anxiety and depression. Anyone know where I can source them?

[@JamesMmk-nc3dc]

On Instagram.

[@JamesMmk-nc3dc]

dr.wheelershrooms

[@swordmonkey6635]

Small distinction: Spice isn't mined. It's harvested on the surface. Also the title of the Emperor is "Padishah" which is the old Persian title for ruler. So his title is Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV of House Corrino.

[@SuperStella1111]

The Persians coming out on top and Mandarin still being a spoken language is how I expect it all to turn out.

[@MrLigonater]

I’m not sure how I missed the Alexander the Great parallels after all these years.

[@ozzzer1]

I read the first 4 books in college. I read the first 4 again and the New 2 books a few years later. I've fallen in love with audio books and have just finished listening the first book again. I took my wife on one of our first movie dates together was the 1984 Dune by David Lynch. That's what drew me into reading the series in the first place. Frank Herbert created a world, not unlike Tolkien, but with a human future in the stars. It's a pretty fucking cool world!!

[@cherylwood5202]

Great exposition! Thank you so much.

[@captainboots]

WOW this was thoroughly packed with information! I knew some of it, but wasn't aware of all of it. This one gets bookmarked for viewing again later!

[@peterixon8708]

Thanks. Loving the whole rebirth of Dune, especially the recent board game 'Dune: War for Arrakis'. Your video really helped bound some of what I've recently been exposed to.

[@tygressblade]

This is really well done. The research is so in-depth.

[@enriquehartmann8642]

WOW I feel I just took a college level literature class. This is my first time checking out the channel. I just saw Dune2. Awesome! Again this was well done (in my i dont know anything opinion) Thank you homie!

[@mattchew6426]

Well done. Keep up the great work...

[@ChristianMark-il3zz]

Psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms have shown a lot of promise in helping people with mental health issues.

[@JohnJoseph-jg8sw]

Absolutely! It's incredible to see how psilocybin mushrooms and psychedelics have the potential to make a positive impact on mental health. They've shown promising results in treating depression and anxiety. It's exciting to think about the possibilities they hold for helping people.

[@SylviaGift-yk6ct]

Where can I source em?

[@DiagoFrankly]

I can say dr.vincentshrooms is the man for you.

[@DiagoFrankly]

dr.vincentshrooms has pure psychedelics products-:

[@EdwardGodwin-fg2mt]

On instgram?

[@mrbetard3671]

as an arab nationalist myself i like dune very much

[@shaftomite007]

I'm a 48 year old cinephile and I'm here to tell you that Dune 2 is the greatest movie ever made. Period.

[@chasx7062]

Blasphemy, its barely better than Snyder's Rebel Moon!!! The Last Jedi is the greatest sequel ever made, yes better than Empire...And the best SciFi in the 2000s, plus it is the best Dune Adaptation !

[@KnjazNazrath]

Y'all need Tarkovsky.

[@Mirrorgirl492]

Y'all clearly haven't seen 'The Castle'.

[@adjuax]

The first Dune movie was made in 1984, it was received poorly. I feel Dune fans are starved of new content especially on the big screen so when a modern day Dune comes out they great a little too excited.

[@glen5077]

Whose never seen Jaws 2?

[@susannjarvis5587]

Thank you. This was an excellent historical and linguistic explanation of the environment, names, places, politics and inhabitants within the world of "Dune."

[@wildemthefem5773]

This video is more relevant and incredible than I expected. Well done sir 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@howardg396]

Great review of the novels, and how they were influenced by events in our world. Keep up the great programming.

[@reneeh4406]

Excellent job! Very well explained. Thank you so much

[@jeronimorubim]

Llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllĺlĺllplp😅p0l😅😅😊l D😅

[@zayndoe]

But it doesnt capture everything about the genesis of the book. The following video does a better job on the analogy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWLNkISVf9eUgpI

[@reneeh4406]

@@zayndoe Thank you... I will watch this one too

[@godpenuel]

What a brilliant and mind-stimulating video. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@wakkosan]

A very VERY interesting analysis. Love the historty behind the show.

[@searchingfortruth4783]

Great documentary, really enjoyed this. Thanks.

[@kebosangar]

Love this! I hope to see more videos on historical inspirations on popular media.

[@user-yk2rp3oy7z]

Source from the name on my handle

[@insulaarachnid]

This was so interesting, loved it!

[@chadyonfire7878]

This. Is phenomenal work man keep it up

[@rosscabrera713]

This was amazing, thank you. So much better than countless KZbin content of someone just shouting to get attention. Fascinating!

[@szofi_h6rle]

Wow, it's so rear to see a video this well reserched🔥🔥

[@cloebird123414]

This was an exceptional video, and I really learned something

[@geraldmiller5260]

Very well done!

[@augustaj3952]

Well done, thank you☆

[@swayp5715]

That was wonderful and thank you so much!

[@timhenley3602]

To be fair, I've always enjoyed Lynch's Dune. I've never been one to dislike a film just because 'critics' proclaim I should...

[@DrDooDah]

Nice one. Thanks.

[@wolfgangwhite]

This is awesome info, thank you

[@yes_anotherone3260]

Thanks for this!

[@allanox]

Fantastic video!!

[@deborahdtw]

Excellent!

[@jon7525]

Thanks for this - really interesting 👍

[@dmckyle]

Though i was able to understand the broad themes the movie explored, this video opened my eyes to more layers and nuances. Very illuminating. Thanks much.

[@joost00555]

That "start of Dune being an ecological study" becomes more obvious in Appendix 1 in the first book, where we follow the Imperial Ecologist who inspired the Fremen in their visions of a green planet.

[@edanridge3023]

It was also heavily inspired by the Caucasian wars between the Russian empire and the Muslim tribes of the caucus mountains. specifically the struggles of imam shamil depicted in one book called sabres of paradise, in fact he based it so directly that he gave the Harkonnens Russian names and took direct phrases and names from the caucuses.

[@cesarvidelac]

Thanks so much for sharing this. Perhaps this is the first time I see a serious on the point accurate analysis of the realities behind the fiction regarding Dune. Of course there is much more but I guess fencing, neurolinguistic programming and yoga are a little out of the scope of this specific report. The only thing I miss is a Spanish version of this, English is my second language and having this one in Spanish to share would be great. But I'm grateful you did this, thanks again.

[@enzobuso5933]

Haven't searched much then I assume?

[@suzettecalleja3122]

May I make a suggestion? My family live in another country and text in that language so, I take a screen shot and then go to the len app on my Galaxy and it translates to English. Go in reverse from English to Spanish. I hope that helps.😊 I know this might be a bit tedious.

[@alicewyan]

The autogenerated/autotranslated subtitles are often understandable enough for English->Spanish

[@PeterBishop-np3ny]

Cool informative video

[@MysticChronicles712]

Intriguing beyond words! 'The History Behind Dune' explores the complex web of influences that molded this legendary masterpiece. From its inception to the lingering effects of Cold War tensions in the Middle East, the film deftly weaves together Arabic influences, religious beliefs, and the mysterious Lawrence of Arabia. The tale is further developed by the incorporation of Greek influences, empire, feudalism, and technology. An enthralling investigation into the cultural milieu, historical events, and conceptual processes that culminated in a literary sensation. Great job!

[@dinabatista6552]

That was amazing!!

[@Telorchid]

I didn't even think about the parallels between Lady Jessica and Olympias! Very cool.

[@kieranperkins7181]

Love it! This is a great wide-ranging video on may aspects of the films/novels and associated history

[@leslielutz6140]

So cool. Brilliant.

[@cassinhacarvalho5015]

Very good!!

[@JamieB237]

This is fantastic

[@RabidJohn]

The major power in the Dune universe is the Bene Gesserit order - right up to the point Jessica disobeys orders and has a son. It is not a religious order; it manipulates religions for its own ends, just as it's been manipulating Noble Houses' bloodlines for millenia. The Lisan-al-Gaib prophecy of the Fremen was planted by the Bene Gesserit. Dune is about what happened when the Bene Gesserit lost control, and Paul Atreides is the species' reaction to that long-term control. What his son has to do to start putting things right is an even better story, IMO.

[@sjoerdpasterkamp9826]

BG is the davidic line wherein the Matriarchs had a great role. The line starts with Jesse (davids father) and ends with Jessicas son (Paul). To be the Kwisatz haderach (teacher of Rightiousness) turns out to be an unbearable plight to Paul.

[@sjoerdpasterkamp9826]

Nerones is not his son but his grandson

[@sjoerdpasterkamp9826]

Paul is James the Just becuz the rightful heir of Tiberius princeps, aka Jacov the tsaddik, Zebedeus or He who dwells with God. Celestial that is Helios (mercurius, hermis the Messenger), the planet closest to the Sun, the Camillus abdes second to the most high (Augustus).

[@sjoerdpasterkamp9826]

Zacherias barachai (the blessed), slain between the altar and the temple (the highest office), Qui venit in hominem domini, He who comes in the name of the Lord, the eloquent Benedictus, Quranic the prosperous Imran.

[@sjoerdpasterkamp9826]

Harkonnen is princes, Princepi, the first rulers , the Julians. Atreides is claudians, house of Alpheus, the divine chosen, nazoreans, people of height, quranic the people of Ad (Aad).

[@trumanshow162]

F. Herbert predicted environmental policies, oil shock, the Afghan war, or the war on terrorism. His “Dune” also reflected the growing concern about the health degradation with civilization. We are all getting abilities like Paul‘s genetic memory & prescience with the internet & AI. His question about “the sustainability of civilization” has become more significant than ever.

[@thevinnychannel]

i'm loving this!

[@katherinecollins4685]

Very interesting

[@ianjackson5150]

Fascinating.

[@pattomwau]

My favorite thing about Dune is that it's the start of Summer.

[@bruceanderson8588]

after reading dune and its sequels I have come to the conclusion that the message is no matter what your Messiah or holy founder your message will be coopeted for some ones others gain

[@waynegoldpig2220]

The message of the first two novels is that revenge for the loss of your family is not a valid justification for causing the muslims to chimp out and fuck up the entirety of 'Western' Civilisation.

[@pdzombie1906]

Very interesting!!! I wish people would learn more about these historical and cultural influences on the saga so they don't dismiss it as plain genre fiction. Thanxs!!!

[@asifurus]

Hard work

[@johnwishart30]

..... The 2000s SciFy channel is kinda the best and it's weird that more folks don't acknowledge it.

[@SuperStella1111]

It’s almost a different story - so visually different. I love it.

[@marvinthemartian6788]

It’s my favorite. The pacing is great. I was thinking it would be really great if the cgi and other things could be upgraded.

[@rabidspatula1013]

Its underrated. Some of the acting is uneven and the special effects were done on a shoestring budget, but its a solid adaptation. In fact John Harrison, who wrote and directed it, is credited as a producer on Villeneuve's films so they must have brought him aboard to consult on the adaptation.

[@danielsolnit9656]

Great video overall, gives important context for Herbert's influences. There are some small inaccuracies, which are trivial but distracting. For example: Jodorosky didn't run out of funding before he finished filming - he never started filming. Herbert wasn't assigned the story about the Oregon dunes, he wrote it freelance and never sold it. The sandworms are called "Shai-Hulud" in the books (not "Say Hulud").

[@KenZchameleon]

This was so good! I read the Dune series 20 years ago and have seen the previous movies. I haven't seen Dune 1 for a multitude of reasons, but I'm going to watch it soon! Thanks Matt and HH team!

[@eric2500]

That's a fun quote from Ben Herbert - honestly I can't wait for full or near full electrification of technology, so that oil can become a GERIATRIC SPICE..!

[@kb_100]

Oil isn't only used for energy. Hydrocarbons are a raw material for nearly every manufactured product. Plastics, paints, foams etc are part of nearly every product we buy. Not to mention their packaging. Phasing out hydrocarbons is a much trickier challenge than just energy.

[@Skittenmeow]

​@@kb_100the secondary and tertiary uses of oil are more or less a direct result of the primary use. There are so many microbes and microbial communities of bacteria and fungi that can produce biomaterials to replace many applications of plastics, and a huge amount of these have nutritional edible "bioproduct".

[@jaripekkajekunen2713]

Makes me sad to think that you don't even realise how dumb your comment is.. electrification of technology, huh?

[@MrMann0123]

Sheikh Zayed Al Nayan bringing water to the desert and uniting the Bedu has, for years, seemed to me to be an influence.

[@wadeday8706]

Dune was written in the 60’s long before Dubai and the rise of UAE. I don’t think Nayan had any influence on Dune whatsoever.

[@TheStarBlack]

Only just learning about TE Lawrence but it sounds immediately to me like he was only "helping" the Arabs overthrow the Ottoman empire so Britain could get its hands on the territory instead, whether he knew it or not.

[@chasx7062]

the trick, Mr Potter, is not minding that it hurts

[@kenaustinardenol1338]

Interesting! Btw I read all 28 novels

[@HistoryHit]

Good effort!

[@kGb1783]

The Butlerian Jihad is not about fighting against a sort of skynet intelligence. It was meant to be understood as a reaction to mans over reliance on technology.

[@johnsharman7262]

Interesting discussion of the influences on the politics and religions of Dune: this is strange as sci-fi as it goes back(analogue technology) to the future. With his interest in psychedelics and vs. technology, Herbert was fighting a rear-guard battle to destroy the age of the machine by the cultivation of consciousness. He utilizes the mythology of the cultures and beliefs which come out of the desert worlds of the Middle East. He merges the idea of oil and marihuana to create spice. I liked your calm, measured exposition.

[@billiethefrenchie]

Saw Dune (the first one) - enjoyed it. Saw Dune Part 2 on shrooms - LIFE CHANGING.

[@Mecha82]

Dune is true sci-fi classic about dangers of charismatic leaders and blind faith as well as about ecology and humanity.

[@michaeltelson9798]

Frank Herbert was interested in mushrooms as Jaspers in his other book “The Santaroga Barrier” utilizes them as the main plot device. In Dune, the sand worms are based upon the microscopic nematode, Monochus. They have 3 lips and are predatory on other nematodes. If he had worked with the USDA he might have gotten acquainted with these creatures. I have degrees in plant pathology and nematodes are a branch of study because of their being parasites and vectors of plant diseases. A line drawing of Monochus caught my attention as the depiction on book covers and Movies are exactly this creature.

[@nereanim]

A similarity is also water as common... in most arabic countries Mosques will have flowing water even in the most arid environments to show display of sharing of the most precious resource.

[@truth-be-told]

Good man..very well presented with historical facts. FYI the name Mahdi is real figure who is eagerly awaited by the Islamic tradition.

[@eric2500]

Frank Herbert said in interviews that his Muslim friends told him that it was about religion. Maybe the first one or two novels were. Perhaps because I really dislike the idea that the only solution to keep humans united through space and time (and timespace) is to have centuries of rule by a mutant worm/emperor, I fail to see the connection, if there is one, in the later novels.

[@tygressblade]

Just a bit of information, before Louis 14th France had a similar issue to the Imperium. France had several Frondes (attempted coupes) led by some of his relatives as a very young king. Louis 14th basically consolidated the power of the throne by convincing his nobles to focus on pleasing him and not of overthrowing him. You really see in Dune the struggle of the Emperor mirrored in the struggle of Louis 14th.

[@Yarblocosifilitico]

22:58 nope. The shields can deflect fast moving (regular speed of strike) melee weapons, but they can trigger a nuclear explosion if hit with lasguns (laser guns).

[@kevinkung7153]

Always felt that was a bit of a plot hole. Laser and shield would effectively be a poor man’s nuke. Virtually impossible to prevent proliferation.

[@Yarblocosifilitico]

@@kevinkung7153 Yeah I thought the same too. Specially in a setting as harsh and dark as Dune, it would seem terrorism is too easy not to be a big deal. (Although the nuclear detonation is not certain, but only a low probability, if I recall correctly) But hey, worldbuilding is always a trade-off between realism and storytelling, plus the influence of the times. Dune was written in the Cold War era of 'mutually assured destruction'.

[@Rye_Toast]

The TV Miniseries was the best adaptation until the recent movies, especially considering the small budget. Ian McNeice will always be "my Baron."

[@kevinkung7153]

The mini-series doesn’t get enough credit. Shame that most people aren’t even aware of it. Thought Children of Dune had a great soundtrack. music.kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3ywnahjmqtnn80&si=uF13ceM91yQx_eK7

[@THEJAM-EATERS]

No mention of DMT? It's nicknamed SPICE for a good reason 🙌🏻

[@iskisenna]

11:27 , The Arab meaning of Jihad is "Struggle" in general, not just against the enemies of Islam.

[@EricDMMiller]

At one time that was true.

[@mrmr446]

@@EricDMMiller It is still true as it can refer to a personal struggle to live a good life or a broader struggle with military connotations

[@isocrates0001]

Fairly good analysis. feels forced in places. Did you know that Herbert was strongly influenced by the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia? You touch on TE Lawrence. But the cinematic adaptation of the Arab Revolt of 1916 had a stronger impact on the action of the novel.

[@TimesFM4532]

Never get why the empora and its house didn't take direct control of arracus like Romean emporas did with Egypt

[@beefish00]

Because he still needed House Atreides wiped out, and setting up a trap for them on Arrakis was the best way to do it without suspicions rising against him

[@eric2500]

Funny how our host here says that oil does not convey any supernatural powers when giving us a picture of a jet taking off...flying is kinda magical - it is amazing that we can overcome gravity is this way ....and like so many stories with magic of some kind in it there is a price to be paid....perhaps your PLANET turning to desert?

[@maeburekaiser]

The planet turning to desert was exactly what he cited when discussing Herbert's view of modern commercialism. So...?

[@AbuLaith1963]

Jihad primarily means a struggle against one's ego and thereafter against oppressors.

[@nam-1335]

Usual can also mean Rasol which is a prophet. The word Jihad means struggle in Arabic, primarily against oneself and secondary against aggression or invasion. Mehdi, is a term used for someone who Muslims are waiting for to come near the end of the world, though this is debatable. Lisan Al ghaib, means the tongue of the unseen. Those ideas have been borrowed into so many western literatures. There are so many other reference, such as the idea have of a scared knife which is common among Arabs in the south of Saudi Arabia.

[@stefanschleps8758]

Thank you for clearing that up. I've always suspected that Herbert must have been an inner astral-naut, a voyager of consciousness. I am a alumni of the rarified atmosphere within that group. So what I say comes with authority based on hundreds of experiences. By itself the "spice" (IE; any psychedelic substance) will at best provide you a two way mirror with your mind and the world around you. However, without the tools of yoga and meditation, even the purest spice is, at its worst, no better than a broken compass in finding your way. Leary was right about the need for proper set and setting, or was that Richard Albert, or maybe Albert Hoffman? Regardless of who coined the term these protocols, ("these practices go back more than ten thousand years,) are essential for optimal results. Although the protocols of set and setting" are demanding they provide a steering and a braking mechanisms for the pilgrim. They are not the only guidelines, check out all eight limbs of yoga, especially Yama and Niyama. These alone can take you across the three worlds without any spice, and unlike spice the are safe for most people. Think of the shaman, and how he prepares himself for the journey before him. Castaneda writes that only the slow witted need the power plants. While I don't agree entirely with this sentiment, there is some truth in Don Juans statement to Castaneda about their use. In the end, should the pilgrim travel so far, he will divest himself of these tools, and focus his efforts on Patanjali's Yoga Sutra's. These shamanic practices are very, very old. But most of that knowledge is dead now. Be Here Now. Fare well. (In an event Herbert's vision is sheer genius! Again, thanks for sharing. New sub.)

[@williambranch4283]

Yep. But for me, I am religious not cynical. I think like Stilgar. True believer.

[@thumper8684]

Did you know that ducklings fixate on their mother as soon as they hatch, and will follow her wherever she goes? If their mother is absent they fixate on any moving object, it could be a person, it could be a football. They know it recognize it and follow it like true believers.

[@williambranch4283]

@@thumper8684 Po agrees ;-)

[@joeking1956]

The Fremen call the sand worms Shai-Halud, not Say Hulud. It wss probably inspired by from Say Hulud though.

[@d0ne14]

Surprised there's no mention of the anglosphere's backing of fundamentalist religions and the exploitation of that fundamentalism in war. From memory, one of the notable examples of this was in Syria and led to Assad (father of Bashar) taking power. This happened a few years before Dune was released and one of the fundamentalist elements stoked by the West was the idea of suicidal jihad not being condemned by God in the Islamic faith. However, suicide bombing campaigns weren't used in/by Syria until the 80s. I may be confusing done details but I'm sure all of this is covered in Adam Curtis' Hypernormalisation. Regardless of the particulars, it's another prescient observation from Herbert considering the impact Western fermented fundamentalism in the Arab region has had on the world in the following decades.

[@jevinday]

They definitely didn't call Paul "Muad'dib" because he looks like a mouse, but I don't want to be "that guy", so you get a pass 😂 Great video otherwise! I didn't know Frank Herbert grew mushrooms

[@saleesh4u]

Why isn't this the number one video that should pop-up when someone searches for Dune on KZbin?!!! 😮🙏👌👋👍🔥💖

[@ymir5876]

13:47 is the plot from the Da Vinci Code. Medieval Kings believed they were descented from the kings of Troy, not from Jesus.

[@ZF88]

You literally say you won’t give spoilers but give away the end of the first book within 5 minutes of the start

[@HistoryHit]

With an exploding alarm based spoiler alert

[@akaLaBrujaRoja]

What’s “west Washington?” Do you mean the western side of Washington state, or the whole state in general since it’s on the West Coast and Washington DC is on the East Coast? Because no one in the US says “west Washington.” We say western Washington as opposed to eastern side of the state when referring to the area west of the Cascade Mountains, and Washington state if we feel someone might mistakenly think we mean Washington DC.

[@jonathanrichter4256]

LiSan al gAIB bears some resemblance to LawrenCE of ArABIa. The book actually talks about the major religion being Budslamism, with sects called the Zensunni and Zenshia. This makes sense as the Chinese with 1.4 billion people and Islam with 1.2 billion people are the most likely to dominate a future Earth.

[@fauxparr]

I love lamp

[@neilperry2224]

I've read it, but along time ago and it blew my mind for it's almost Victorian science fiction feeling. It's art is amazing and the David Lynch 'choker film' , but it's better than you offer for your critism. That film is now a major cult sci-fi film requirement that has to be watched. The English have also used grasses to secure ground erosion on the cliffs of the western coast line.

[@anthonyburee650]

Nabateans petra was a bigger influence than the Arabic culture, please do a dive into this culture and how they controlled the spice trade and route.

[@alicemay35]

Chani is not just a concubine :(

[@pat7504]

I feel like you missed a bit between the secular middle eastern republics and Iran's monarchy falling to extremists. The weak monarchy was only in place due to Britain and America staging a coup to depose a secular, democratically elected leader as he was going to nationalize oil production.