The Species That Eats The Universe | Culture 

Banks gave us the most hopeful and joyous of space operas. He truly believed in the essential goodness of people and it shows in his work, despite the darkness.

My favourite sci-fi series. I literally cried when Banks died and realized there would be no new culture books. He was only 59. We were robbed of so many great stories due to his untimely death. Bank's death is up there with Douglas Adam's death, at a mere 49, in terms of society being robbed of great stories I think.

The Tyranids from Warhammer 40k fascinate me as a biologist. The concept of a swarm based interstellar society driven only by the imperative to consume biomass and grow without limit is really intriguing. The fact that there is a vague, never fully explained hive mind at work adds an additional dimension to the whole idea as well.

One of Banks' more entertaining ideas: the whimsical, sometimes hilarious names of the sentient ships.

By far one of my favorite sci fi series. I started with Consider Phlebas and was completely blown away. Iain Banks is a phenomenal writer who has a way of describing fantastical ideas, peoples and places without the reader feeling overwhelmed or lost. Phlebas is probably the best place to start with the series since it gives you an outsider's perspective of the Culture.

The Culture series has so many interesting ideas, themes and civilizations, I'd love to see more videos.

My favorite scifi series... refreshingly optimistic (particularly regarding AI) yet still quite terrifying when needed

Oh mate, definitely do more Culture videos. The series is laden with so many great ideas and concepts in every single book that you could do as many videos as you wanted on them, and they'd all be interesting. Banks was brilliant at coming up with massive ideas and making them work. It was a sad day when he left us.

Recasting the Federation as chaotic neutral with no prime directive gave this man soooo many pages of material, it’s awesome. I believe why Banks’ books work so well is because despite all the technology and being flung so far into the future, the books are tremendously character-centric and personal, and you spend a lot of time inside the head of nonhuman and “human” characters. If only there wasn’t so many books to read, it can be intimidating.

Use of Weapons is one of my favorite sci-fi books. I love the combination of heavy sci-fi, literary writing, and playing with the structure of narrative.

So glad you're finally covering The Culture Series! A lot of what makes these books great is how Banks riffs on common sci-fi tropes (space opera, monolithic warlike aliens, first contact, etc...) in an almost satirical way while using his Utopian civilization as the lens.

Banks was a true optimist. The author that captures the same optimism today is (imo) Becky Chambers. They have very different strengths and tell very different stories but both have huge optimism for a multicultural future. What interests me about Chambers is that she centers individual small scale personal storylines. Banks focused a much larger scope of story, told with a wider focus. My favorite thing from Banks is the concept of Soulkeeper tech and the ways that a civ developing it marks a major turning point.

Excited you're covering The Culture series now!

I love the Culture series. And I love that Spaceships name themselves, and those names are very special like “Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The“. or another spaceship named itself “Unacceptable Behaviour“ , “I Blame My Mother” and “I Blame Your Mother". And there even much more crazier names

The Culture series! So glad to see you cover this; it's my favourite series in any genre. The sheer imagination that's in the worldbuilding is some of the best in sci-fi, but the stories still manage to be character-driven. I'll literally talk anyone's ear off about the series if they sit still long enough, and you should read them now. The whole subject of this video - hegemonising swarms - are enough to fill a whole sci-fi series in and of themselves, but in the Culture series they're something of an afterthought, minor plot points that rear their head every now and again. There are references to them being a major galaxy-wide scourge in the distant past, but at the time of the books the galactic meta-civilisation is complex and well-established, with various high-level Involved civilisations having forces on perpetual standby to deal with outbreaks as and when they occur, so they're more a minor nuisance than a serious threat (though still quite capable of killing a lot of people before they're detected and smothered). They generally get dealt with disdainfully to the point that biological pan-humans even go on clean-up missions to eradicate them as a sort of high-stakes form of entertainment or sport.

Definetly interested in hearing more about the Culture. Thanks for covering it.

I've only read Consider Phlebas, but I definitely want to read more. That book was WILD. Heavy ideas, grand & sweeping space-opera action, some really grim stuff, and as you said, some humor. It's a lot. But it was also a really fun read. Like, I never found it dull or got bogged down.

I have been following you for years and I am always amazed at how awesome your content always is. I am 70 and have been around sci fi since I was a teen. I grew up with Asimov, Dick and Heinlein and the others. You do a great job keeping me up to date. Thank you Sugar.👍

As someone who is buried in school, work, and life responsibilities, but still a fan of sci fi, these videos are amazing. I seldom have the time to read anything in the realm of fiction but your explanations of these series allow me to appreciate these unique universes anyway. Keep up the great content!

I want to see you do more videos on, "The Culture" series. I really appreciate your perspective. I started watching your videos because I love, The Hyperion Series, Foundation Series, and Dune Series, and your videos on them really gave them a new dimension for me. I also really appreciate that you've introduced me to series that I might never have heard about, like the Three Body Problem, which I recently read after watching your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your passion.

Yay! Thank you, Quinn! The Culture series is a fantastic read, and one I can't get enough of. I just wish he'd lived longer, so he could give us more of these wonderful SF books.

Grey goo also gets called a paperclip replicator in a much more humurous situation. Love these ideas haha

sooo happy to see you covering Ian M Banks Culture novels at last!!! More of these please! Theres sooo much to cover in them

Finally put out a culture series vid! I've been looking forward to this for so long after listening to the audiobooks. Thank you so much!

I've read all the culture novels. Alongside Greg Bear, Iain M banks is my joint favourite scifi writer. It's such a shame there will be no more culture stories, Iain died way too soon. Would love to see more videos.

Banks' Culture series is easily in my top three scifi of all time! So rich.

I haven't read any of these books, so when I saw this title, I thought you were gonna be talking about the Tyranids lol. But this is also fascinating. The Tyranids seem like they are possibly influenced in their behavior and type of "civilization" by sources such as this. These books sound fascinating. Thanks for discussing this series, I'll be adding it to my queue of sci-fi I need to check out.

I immersed myself in the Culture many years ago and was distraught when Iain died. There are so many aspects to these books but my favourite is Player of Games. The depth of the character analysis in the book is profound and the denouement of the story is quite superb with a breathtaking episode of about 14 pages as we reach the crescendo of the tale. This one book would make a superb film. I really hope that you can explore this genius's work. Aye. Fraser.

Been looking forward to hearing about the Culture in this series; it’s by far my favourite sci-fi series. The underlying hopeful idea is so uplifting (despite the sometimes extreme darkness of other races in the series).

Thank you for covering this series. Banks was a unique voice and I miss waiting for his next book to come out. I've read all of his books, and enjoy his fiction even more than his science fiction. His command of dialog, especially the accents and idiomatic speech of people from different parts/classes/etc. of the UK is unmatched. Also, as a world builder, I'm still amazed at the sheer vastness of the ideas he tackles, on the scale of Dune or Foundation, but with his unique sense of humor and absurdism. Your output is so well produced, presented and thought provoking. Keep it up. Thanks again

Culture is one of the best series of modern time! Despite being heavily inspired by Strugatskie brothers' works, it added so much to the genre, definitely must read for scifi and space opera fans.

I love this channel...so unique and high quality content. Criminally underrated

@quinn awesome video yet again! Each time I try not to watch entire clips because I want to read your suggestions myself. But I get caught up and captivated by your narration and comments so much that I forget....

The Culture series has been a favorite of mine for a long time, even on par with Dune. Banks world-building lends itself so well to thinking about this universe beyond just the words on the page, his humor is top-notch, and I'd love to see you cover some of these awesome themes.

I''m completely psyched that you're covering some of The Culture novels!

We are raised to believe that the god emperor watches over us all, and so we are charged to cleanse the mutant the heretic and the alien

Quinn you should do a video where you describe different series shortly and recommend them to different people etc coz you cover so many cool series and I bet there are more so I would love to hear. I'm now reading first book of Three-Body Problem due to your videos and I love it

Dude thanks so much. I just found your channel andnow ive got tons of great books on my list. Great work and overview of this series without spoiling anything.

I love that Banks never shies away from stories about the Culture as borderline (or even _outright_ ) villains while at the same time never giving the impression that they're anything other than the unambiguous Good Guys. It's a fantastic demonstration of the Good is Not Nice trope.

One thing I find wonderful in the Culture books is the alternative to that expansion, Subliming. After being hinted at throughout the series, finally seeing the process of a civillisation accepting it has reached its peak and ascending together is a great way to end a series...and probably was somewhat influenced by Banks' own failing health at the time.

PLEASE do a video essay on the book Roadside Picnic by the Strugatsky brothers. Fascinating stuff

Stoked that you're covering The Culture series. One of the most most well thought out and complex sci-fi universess out there.

Really cool to see you touching on the Culture series, it's one of my favourite series!

Banks is my favourite SF author. I've read all his SF books and most of them more than once. It's a real shame he died so young.

Thanks Quinn for introducing The Culture novels of Ian Banks!! I would like to add that in addition to the laugh-out-loud humor, Banks was able to instill some profoundly cathartic tragedy, grief, sadness, redemption, self-sacrifice in some truly surprising contexts - so you may find yourselves crying out loud as well...for the full range of human moral elevation shared and achieved by machine-minds and human characters in these novels. Brilliant and compassionate vision of the future for sure!! Cheers and 99% Revolution Now!

I love it! Ian M. Banks was on top of his game when he sadly passed too young. Great that you are covering The Culture. One of my favorite series

Love the Culture! And the names the sentient ships give themselves are hilarious! I would very much like to hear more about this series - I've only read about half of the books so far, and not in order.

OMG Yes! This is amazing more Culture content please!

Thank you for getting to Culture, it's one of my favorite series of all time. Look forward to many more videos in this line.

I love the background and intro music in your videos Quinn!

I've read the first 3 culture novels and I own a few others that I've yet to read (I have a signed first edition copy of Look to windward). They're thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining stories that are amongst my favourite sci fi novels. Definitely need to get back into reading my other culture books now after seeing this video 😊

The Culture is possibly the sci fi universe most designed around the themes that the author wanted to explore. What would a benign dictatorship look like? What about a society built on cultural cache? What about a culture that relishes in imorality (the Affront)? Loved it....when I could understand it.

Finally doing the culture! Thank you so much, I've been waiting for this for a while.

Yes, please do more videos on the Culture! The Culture Novels by Iain M. Banks are hands down my favourite.

Iain Banks is by far my favourite sci fi author of all time. Incredibly well written, highly detailed with fantastic characters. But most of all the Culture itself is fascinating.

Love this series, would be interested in your take on each of the books one by one. Also, "the algebraist" is not a culture novel but one of Ian M Banks' best settings

i love the culture series so much! and your videos are amazing. I love so much that you are covering them

Hey just wanted to say Its been incredible watching your content and channel grow. Truly inspiring

Yes on the Culture, and yes on Banks' other somewhat related work like "The Algebraist". Note that the Culture is so powerful defending against hegemonizing swarms is considered shit duty for young Minds. My favorite in the universe is Excession, because it shows the Culture dealing with something outside of it's capability. Sometimes people recommend "Player of Games" as a first culture novel. Surprised you didn't mention another important type of civ in the universe, the sublimed.

This series is one of my all time favorites. Iain Banks works are of vaulting imagination and extraordinary concepts. Not to mention a wry and frequently wicked sense of humor woven throughput all of his works. His ship names alone will have you laughing out loud. One of his most haunting works is a stand alone, non-Culture related work, Against a Dark Background. Highly recommended. And yes, Quinn, I would love to hear more from you on this subject.

I read the first book in the series and found it very enjoyable but it didn't feel like the beginning of a series and could easily be a stand alone. I'm glad that you mention that aspect of it. Are the other books in the series similar in that way? Could I pick up any of them and it be a similar stand alone experience?

Uh oh are my favorite RU-vid channel of all genres I follow! Thank you so much for keeping me interested and astonished continuously.

I love that I can tell just by the title artwork that it's Quinn's channel. 👍🏼👍🏼

This concept is explored in the second season of Lexx, as Mantrid consumes the entirety of the Light Universe, and then causes a Big Crunch by chasing after the crew of the Lexx, who had retreated to the center of it (and ended up escaping into the Dark Zone through a singularity). Definitely the weirdest show I've ever seen -- sort of a cross between sci-fi, gothic horror, and dark comedy.

Yesss. Please make more Culture content

Please do more of this series. Watch your channel all the time and the Culture is my favorite series.

If you want another science fiction series to cover, check out the book series Mortal Engines. It's not a space opera like most of the books you cover, but it still has a fascinating world, and a huge question about morality. Edit: I also would, if it's not too much trouble, like more The Culture videos

The swarms in this sound like tyranids from the 40k universe.. I wonder which came first? I think tyranids go back to about 1988? Though a lot of the lore about the tyranid swarms came later. There's lots of lore videos on them like by Luetin09's if you are not familiar with 40k.. Im sure you'd love the setting given how grimdark and extensive it is.

i love your channel so much!!! i just noticed the junji ito manga in the background!! that made me super happy! keep up the amazing videos

You make the most inspiring and deep thought provoking videos ever on RU-vid. I'm eternally grateful for your channel and quality content you keep putting out. I think it was due to you and Media Death Cult on here that got me not only interested in this series but the Three Body Problem as well. Keep up all the great work as you definitely have a long term loyal fan and friend here with me.

I'm so in LOVE with your library 💕

Love this book series! I have them all, about half way through reading them. Glad your tackling it!

Thanks for the rec, would love a deeper dive review/analysis into the first book

Finally a look at Iain M Banks, been waiting for you to dive into this :D

Just found your channel and love it thank you for all the great book ideas 🤘🏻

The Culture is a definite favorite of mine. I'd love to hear your take on the various books, and the world building itself, since Banks created something truly remarkable. Also, I would LOVE a tour of your bookcase. It looks great!

I've waited so long for you to start making Culture videos. More please

so excited to see what you cook up for the culture, my favorite book series of all time!!

I just recently stumbled upon your channel. You got me really interested in this type of sci-fi, so I ordered a few Banks and Peter Watts books that should arrive next week. Thanks man!

Great video! I'd definitely love to see more on The Culture series - in particular on Excession and the notion of the "Outside Context Problem."

Love your videos Quinn, great voice and speaking cadence to just listen to and vibe out for a bit.

I have become such a huge fan of your channel and I’m super fascinated with this series

I didn’t realise Iain M Banks was the same Iain Banks the wrote “The Wasp Factory”, which is a very dark yet humorous book.

Glad you're finally getting to the Culture series. IMO the best SF that has ever been written.

Yes please describe more of the series! I think I read 4 or 5 of them. Brilliant how Banks makes us admire the Culture at first, then critisizes it as well. There is lots of humour, horror, fantasy and fun to be enjoyed.

I used to live in Crow Rd glasgow - for the record thats one of his Iain Banks novels - got all his stuff in hard back ... RIP Iain!

I'm so thrilled you're doing videos on the Culture

Love you videos man. Honestly it gets me through some days. I have always had a concept to write a sci fi book i start then scrap your videos make we want to write more and practice

Ah my favorite Stellaris archetype: Devouring Swarm

Love the Culture series, especially Player of Games. Hope you do more videos for these wonderful books!

I totally forgot I had read Phlebas, it's sooo amazing. Thank you for showing other people these books. They will definitely love the journey it takes them on and the thoughts they can bring.

It's always cool to explore concepts, you've done well.

Thank you Quinn - need to follow up on this Culture series

Thanks for the great video! I'm a fan of the Culture and I would love to see more videos on the topic!

Love your content, you put me on to dune now this one. Thank youuu ❤

Aaaaahhh !! I was wondering when you'd do The Culture series !! Thank you !!

More culture! I love this series and would love you hear Quin talk about it!

been waiting for these videos. gotta love the culture novels

Quinn you are an inspiration brother, even when i already know the books you talk about, i love your way the present it. A fan from France 🇫🇷

I would definitely like to hear more about this series, you really bring it to life mate. 👍 😊