The size of the Trisolarans reminds me of a quote by Douglas Adams, it goes: "...the mighty ships tore across the empty wastes of space and finally dived screaming on to the first planet they came across - which happened to be the Earth - where due to a terrible miscalculation of scale the entire battle fleet was accidentally swallowed by a small dog." 🤣

The lack of culture among the Trisolarans highlights an interesting idea that Liu touched on, but then abandoned: the idea that the stagnation and death of art can be an existential threat. We see the Trisolarans become obsessed with Earth culture in both the second and third books. This could potentially been used as a weapon by Earth to destabilize Trisolaran society or force a symbiotic relationship, even though it ultimately wasn't.

The Trisolarans being so tiny also makes the scene in the first book where they're said to have arranged themselves into a circuit board seem a lot more plausible.

Tiny nitpick: The Trisolarans did actually solve the Three Body Problem in the book. The real issue was that when they used it to predict the future of their civilization, they realized it was doomed to fall into one of their suns eventually. That's why they needed to invade Earth.

The 3 body series was a much needed breath of fresh air in sci-fi literature. And the Dark Forest, the best entry in the series, IMO!

*SPOILERS* - I think it was a very important part of the original trilogy that earth never saw the Trisolarans. It gave them an even greater psychological advantage because an imagined threat can be far more intimidating than a known threat. It also allows the reader to constantly change their perception of them as the story continues. And, it makes scenes like the living computer even more crazy to imagine when you think about human size creatures trying such an endeavor. The revelation of them being insect like, canon or not, was great because when you look back and apply it to their decision making process it produces a lot of AHAH moments. Like how they were willing to force humans to survive by cannibalizing each other. I think humans would be more reluctant to use a tactic like that, even on an alien race, because it is a barbaric concept to us. But for them, they put little value on the individual life, so they have no issue forcing that mentality on another race.

Feels like the Trisolarins could have easily terraformed Mars with their tech. Coexistence would be feasible. Hell, we could have given them Australia.

Trisolarans seem to be partially inspired by Tardigrades. It was also quite obvious in other aspects from the trilogy they were very small, especially with all the stories of the ant watching humans.

One of the things that Trisolaran mass cognition implies is that Listener was not a lone dissatisfied actor. If Trisolarans are truely incapable of individual thought to such an extreme degree, then the Listener must represent an aspect of Trisolaran group thought... an undercurrent that constantly runs counter to the mass desire. And there is good evolutionary reasoning for this. A truely singleminded group consciousness would be inflexible to change and not adaptable, and adaptability is the most important trait for a species on a planet in a three-body system. So the species has to have a mechanism to cultivate undercurrents of subversive thought, even while the totalitarian impulse remains the dominant force. So the Listener is then perhaps a focal point for a collective subversion, which is why he desires things like love and art that he cannot possibly really have personal references for. Its why he feels this strong empathy towards Earth culture, because of the subversive leanings of other individuals. He is then the Listener not just Earth signals, but of those kinds of thoughts within the collective. This also explains the need for extreme martial law. Deviants are then not lone bad actors in Trisolaran society, but focal points for mass anti-social thought. Which makes them far more dangerous to the totalitarian body than a lone actor. But it also explains how they were suddenly able to lie when we are told explicitly they are incapable of lies... the main body of totalitarian thought maintains the party line that all thought is known and contained, while the undetected undercurrents keep different forms of thought alive as resevoirs for survival. This in itself is subterfuge, lying is therefore part of the Trisolaran deep nature. Just one that they hide from themselves. This all reflects back on Chinese history and the need to purge intellectuals and provacateurs who were far more dangerous to the revolution than individual dissidents would be. Im reading Ai Weiwei's book One Thousand Years of Joy and Sorrow and it is actually a really excellent companion piece to the The Body Problem books for someone from the West to understand some of the background of the revolution and how the Chinese political body became so hyper-focused on stamping out reactionary thought.

"They're bugs!" This blew my mind. Quinn, I am so grateful for your work and exposing me to this book trilogy. All that I know of it is what you have progressively revealed, but I have learned of and been horrified by the Droplet, all the history of Earth in dealing with the menace and now to learn that they are tiny little beings the size of grains of rice, it feels wonderfully appropriately weird and just the kind of impossible that bears the mark of sincerity. I've been thinking on it all day. Thank you so much for the compelling ideas, I really value them! Godspeed, Quinn! 🌟

The amount of hype bursting out of my body every time I see a Quinn's Ideas video on the three body problem series is immeasurable

Loving more frequent videos and stuff about the 3 Body series.

The size and intelligence of the Trisolarans, in Baoshu's sequel, sent chills through my spine as I read about them. I don't consider the rest of the sequel to be canon (because it's weird loll). But those small details about Trisolarans' biology was spot on! It just made so much sense!!! I felt as if I should have known all along, as if it was now so obvious! Suddenly, the lack of individuality within their social structure seemed perfectly normal, without the actual cognitive ability for an individual to be something complex. Individuals have tiny minuscule brains, they are extremely simple creatures, barely sentient. Communication generates intelligence, complexity. Therefore, when an individual becomes weak, sick or dysfunctional, it's not immoral to destroy them, it's necessary. Like a broken cell in our body. Even the Trisolarans themselves don't even seem to care that much when they must be killed. Even having sex kills them loll. What I would have liked to know are the demographics of the Trisolarans. There's a quadrillion ants on Earth (a million billions!)... So... Loll

I'd recommend the zones of thought series. It explores more the idea of a society where thoughts and intelligence is a shared thing requiring multiple individuals, but in another way. The dog-like Tines require a pack of 3 to 6 individuals in order to make a singular full self aware person. So they have a culture built on the science of creating and cultivating minds by mixing and matching individual bodies within a group. However the twist on the usual hive mind concept is that they're only able to function with an optimal number. Too many and they become dumber, until they become something too incoherent to be a single mind.

For me The Listener Trisolarian and Da Shi are the best characters of the saga, they help to move the plot and are crucial to the events on their books.

Probably the most epic scale science fiction ever written. I put the Three Body Problem series up there with Dune, Foundation, The Expanse, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, etc as a genre defining work of literature.

Thank you for making these videos. I never would have found this series if it wasn't for one of your posts and it blew my mind.

Quinn I feel it's a privilege to be around to hear you explain these concepts, you are really exciting minds out here.

I have to thank you for turning me on to what I think is hundreds of hours of audiobooks that I’ve listen to so far based on your recommendations. I have enjoyed them all

I really appreciate you making these videos, this is one of the most unique and engaging stories in sci-fi. So please keep making more videos!

I've started reading the three body problem series based solely on you videos Quinn. You have greatly turned me on to books I never would have known of. I always thought of myself as a massive sci-fi fan but your videos have really opened my eyes to sci-fi stories that I was sorely missing in my reading.

Plz keep this series going hearing your story’s on the three body problem is practically the only reason I watch yt anymore, I watch your vids on other sci-fi books but there’s just something different about this series it intrigues me so much

So stoked you upload so much more often! I’ve been here since you were in the 20k follower range and you deserve every follow you’ve been getting! Here’s to a million!

Thank you! Love your channel! Been wonderful watching your base grow over the years. Cheers!

"Surviving and existing are very different from living and thriving." Today's my birthday and I swear this channel was the best present I got. So happy I discovered this! Thank you!

I just started the series because of these videos. So thank you very much. I have no idea would made me start clicking on your videos several months ago, but because I did, I found amazing books with intresting concepts to read.

Just finished Xenogenesis Trilogy, and Three-Body Problem before it, both brilliant and exactly the kind of original sci-fi I've thirsting for since reading Dune, Hyperion Cantos etc. Looks like your channel has now become my source of book recommendations, keep recommending these gems!

I dont know what changed so that you can upload this much but im so glad it did. I have listened to everything at least 3 times. This stuff and dune stuff more than I'm willing to admit. Keep up the awesome content!

I feel so blessed to have read these books before "The Remembrance of Earth's Past" series really started to catch on with the mainstream. So excited for the Netflix adaptation! I'm currently still reading "The Redemption of Time" and am only 100 pages in, at this point. But I'm loving your videos the most! Definitely one of the channels I've subscribed to this year!!

I am grateful for this channel as I could never read all these stories but can still enjoy the summarized ideas .

I could listen to you all day delving into sci-fi. Truly elaquant in your descriptions.

Really love your videos! Thank you so much for the hard work. Your commentary on the Three Body Problem series has kept me afloat - I can't get any of my friends to read it! 🤣 I absolutely loved this series and really enjoyed what you had to say about everything. I hope you can maybe talk about some of his other work like Ball Lightning in the future!

Almost finished with 3 Body Problem, and wow! Thank you for making us aware of this book!

REALLY enjoyed the series & pleased to now know of the additional novel! Your videos are GREAT, you keep the exploration going!🤗

I've read and listened to the series, and yet somehow your voice is the clearest way i remember them

This universe as envisioned by Liu, has me absolutely captured by fascination, (tinged with horror and dread) at the truth I see in his vision. These books have truly invaded my thoughts and I somehow wish I could read them again as if for the first time... Thank you so much Quinn for your excellent work bringing the news of this great piece of SciFi to the masses. I look forward to your continued investigation and coverage of these and many other great works of Science Fiction; but more importantly, I cannot wait to finally have a copy of YOUR Graphic Novel: Tadhya,); and soon The Lie Behind the Star! BRAVO 👏👏👏

I can't believe I'm only just now finding this series - I just watched every video in it (I'm about to listen to the music next). Remembrance of Earth's Past is maybe my favorite series ever, I fell so hard in love with it, and was devastated to find that not only are not many people making videos about it, but some of the people that are making them are kind of crappy people (bigots or people that just can't relate to non-American characters or whatever). This is a great video series. I could listen to you talk about these books forever!

I haven't read any of the books yet, thought i've just ordered them after watching your videos on the three body problem series. The most horrifying science fiction series of all time video hooked me in lol. Your videos are extremely entertaining/educational for me and are also helping me rediscover my love for Sci fi. Just wanted to say thank you for the content it really is top tier stuff. Much love from England and you have an awesome voice for story telling/audio books ❤️

You've been crushing it lately bro and I'm digging tf out of it.

This is the series that I'm currently obsessed about! also thanks to you I read(finished in 4 days it was SO GOOD) Children of time recently!!!

Quinn up early dropping goated content on your Tuesday like its no big thing.

Quinn: just to say I really enjoy your story telling and summaries… you make them exciting and inspire to find out more about what you are talking about. Keep all the videos coming and wishing you success with your own work! 🖖🏽 saludos

I have either started to read or have read most books you cover thanks to your videos. Anytime you introduce a story i havnt heard of i go get it. I trust your judgment of literature, your my source for good sci-fi and i look forward to what you will share next.

I have devoured the trilogy in just a week, and love every part of it. You're the one who introduced me to this incredible series of books, i watched one or two videos and was curious, and goddamn that was such a ride ! Big big thanks to you Quinn from the bottom of my heart !

I never gave the size of the Trisolarans a second thought. I just assumed they were slightly larger than humans because I've trained to thinks so by most Science Fiction I've read or watched. Just another reason why the Three Body Problem Series is brilliant.

Wow!!! Nice final twist for the 3 body problem. Really didn't expect that... You did really well by saving the final twist for now.

LOVE your videos on this series!! Never stop please

You are so talented and dedicated I feel you deserve much success. I’ve spent my money on the Remembrance of Earth's Past based on your videos. I would not have heard of the books otherwise.

Intriguing! I'm really enjoying this exploration of the Three Body Problem novels. As for further scifi, Iain M Banks' "Culture" series is incredibly deep and rich.

Eternal gratitude to you Quinn! Thanks for introduce me to this wonderful book series

I love that you are putting out more content g keep up the good work my man

I haven't read the spin-off novel, but while reading the original trilogy - I'm glad you brought up water bears - I constantly pictured them as looking like tardigrades.

One of my absolute favorite UKpostsrs.

You make some of the best content. I have read almost every book you have recommended.

Bought all three books because of you. Thanks for opening our eyes to these masterpieces of sci-fi writing.

Man.... you're on a roll.

The Trisolarans being bug-like also fits the collective aspect of their civilization. Also, and I don't see this being pointed out very often, the Trisolaran system as described in the books is a critique of the current Chinese system.

I love your work! Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into these great videos!

Thank you so much for introducing me to three body. As an aspiring speculative fiction writer myself this series is mindblowing. Hope you some day do a live disscussion stream or something.

Man, this is such a good series. However, I'm stuck going between this series and children of time. Love your work my guy!

I read the books. I loved them, but I was disappointed when Cixin Liu didn’t explain what they looked like. I also thought Boushu’s imagined them correctly in his spin off novel, mostly because I thought it would be ironically poetic if humanity was called “bugs” by aliens who themselves looked like bugs.

Thank you thank you for your videos on the three body problem series!!!

I'm loving the amount of videos lately!

Would love to hear your thoughts on some Stanislaw Lem books like Solaris, His Master's Voice, or Invincible. I have the feeling they would go well with your kind of content.

Really digging the three body content! ***Spoilers*** Maybe my favorite scene is at the end of book 2 when Luo Ji details the deterrence plan and the Trisolarans send him a "Eyyyyyyy you good bruh?"

im in love wth your channel. im binge watching everything and your voice is very soothing. honestly, one of my faves. id have to check if i can afford your patreon but in the meantime, thank you so much for putting all of that out there. Andddd heres a like and a comment to please the algorythm gods

Quinn, I've just finished the Three Body series based on your recommendations and videos. I really loved this series, it was a breath of fresh air and I really enjoyed the ideas presented and the central thesis, so... thank you! In regards to the physiology of the Trisolarans I agree there was foreshadowing of them being small creatures. Firstly, in reference to humanity as being bugs, which is one of the most terrifying things to come out of the end of the TBP. Also, there is a literary segue in TDF introduction, where the idea of Cosmic Sociology is first being introduced in the graveyard scene and an ant is crawling over the tombstone. Cixin ascribes feelings to the ant, but the ant is unable to get past its core programming of collective thought, much like the Trisolarans. I also like to think the ant (as a physical metaphor for the size of the Trisolarans) is symbolic ofthe sophons listening in at a crucial moment in history 🙂

One thing that is great about this channel is that even though Quinn does a great job himself, there are plenty of recommendations in the comments worth checking out. If I may add one of my own right now, it would have to be the Apple series Severance.

I just finished "Ad Infinitum" by Randall R. Scott. It's a short novella about time, free will within that structure, and complexity. It's a bit of a slow read due to some pretty heavy subject matter but, it makes up for it in the second half. I suggest you read it twice. I had to read it 4 times due to being more of a fantasy reader. I love your analysis of the dune series and I'm almost finished with the Dark Forest , thank you for this recommendation.

Appreciate you, and your work, Quinn.

Loving this series lately. Got the first book because of this channel, halfway through second. Pretty much obsessed with it lmao

I just finished the 3rd book and never would've thought that they'd be so small. I even made a joke about Trisolarans being the best pasta makers in the universe because pasta is their way of life. Now that I know that they're very small, their pasta would be too small to even satiate a baby human.

I started to follow because of your coverage of Dune (fantastic). I know fantasy isn't the common thing but I highly suggest Brandon Sandersons Cosmere as well as Stepen Erikson's Malazan series. Personally I find that both authors attempt to bridge sci fi and fantasy rather well.

Keep em coming bro. Love the content. Looking forward to your books!!!!

Loving your content, wish you had some more long format stuff.

I love the implication of them being the size of a grain of rice. Obviously their technology was far beyond humanity's, but just merely on a physical level no one would've found them threatening at all if they knew the truth about their physical appearance.

Who is here after the Netflix Series. 😅

You for yourself a new patron Quin! My man more 3body problem vids you earned yourself some of my money! 🤣

Amazing. Thank you for going in depth about this awesome series.

The Redemption of Time did a splendid job expanding on the true nature of Trisolarans. The reveal towards the end seemed to flow so naturally from the trilogy that it felt like original intent.

I don't know...each spaceship of their fleet could be seen from the Hubble in the Dark Forest, which means they were huge. Since the depiction of them as tiny creatures wasn't by Cixin Liu, so I prefer to envision them as big creatures, a bit taller than humans, sort of like the Predator or Alien 😆

Yooo ive been binging all of these (and started listening to book 1), what amazing timing on this release haha

This channel is a dream come true I've not seen anything like this channel before

It seems weird that we could see the trail of their fleet in the cosmic dust lines if their bodies were small as grains of rice. I would think their ships would then also be very small and that the dust trails wouldn't be noticeable. I really like the idea of not knowing exactly what they looked like or their size.

Just finished watching it on Netflix. Hope there is season 2 and 3

Going into the algorithm crunch? Love this channel so all for it!

Since the release of the series on Netflix, I'm glad to have found your video for some additional information. I was interested in reading the series as well and now more interested than before. I also thought the dehydration process possibly hinting at the Trisolarans small stature. Thanks for the insightful video.

You are one of the best UKposts content creators for those who like weird ideas. Will you ever consider explaining fringe non-fiction physics? Boltzmann has almost a sci-fi like quality to him, though his work in thermodynamics is very very real.

Three books/series I'd recommend to a sci-fi enthusiast would be; "the world at the end of time(Frederik Pohl), Marrow (Robert Reed) and Eon (Greg Bear)

Always amped for new vid this channel is one that got me back into sci fi when I first started watching over year ago 😎🤟

Your channel introduced me to the series and I really want to read them. Very interesting reading of social commentary in the listener ruler conversation

I enjoyed the redemption of time, yet it took away the mystery surrounding the image of the Trisolarians. If you don't even know what your opponent looks like, their threat seems even more sinister. I can imagine that's exactly why Cixin Liu didn't went into the appearance of the Trisolarians. I love your Videos - espeacally the Sci-Fi ones - your content is great! At this point I would like to say a big thank you for your amazing work. I'd be happy if you check out this book: Jack Vance/Emphyrio.

One problem with the size of the Trisolarans. If they were so small why couldn't two races peacefully coexist on Earth? How much space and resources would rice grain sized creatures need after all? Let's not forget that not entire race was coming on their fleet but a fracture of it.

A fantastic trilogy! Thanks for covering it 👍🏼

quinn my man! love your videos and cant thank you enough for putting me onto this trilogy. i still cannot believe all of this came out of someone's brain. incredible that people can possess that amount of creativity oh i also wanted to mention...one of the ideas i haven't heard people discuss much is how this series relates to current humanity's decision making. if we venture out and find less intelligent life, do we become the hunters or do we take the path of the listener? this isn't a new idea in science fiction but having these books that can explain and demonstrate the reality of a dark forest scenario, especially with humanity as one of the victims, may change how people think about it quite a bit thanks again, cant wait for them to ruin the netflix show 😑

The Three Body Problem series is staying in my mind ever since I read it 2 years ago. The best science fiction I've come across in years. Since you also talk about older books like Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, I would love for you to analyse Planet of the Apes, if you enjoy it. I'm rereading it now and would be very interested to have your opinion. Keep up the good work!

I always imagine the Trisolarans as big moss piglets. I haven’t read redemption of time, but I figured that since Liu never outright says they have telepathy, the Trisolarans communicated by modulating their internal organs which were visible through their transparent skin.

Listening to the series right now because of your channel. I'm on death's end, and it's fantastic.

You keep making more series on the three body problem series. Then I definitely will get you more subscribers I definitely like the eriness you put into your series dude. Good job!

Can you make a video about the grand theme of entire series. The eternal conflict of The Master vs The Lurker and how they shaped the fundamental nature of the universe?