I can understand that. Dune itself was my least favorite book of the series and one in which i had a hard time getting through even after a couple of false starts. I'm glad i did as the rest of the series has what i consider a staggering amount of depth and has completely captivated me.
Not that this is illustrative of the series, it's just an aside, but here's a little nugget buried within Heretics of Dune (which i just finished yesterday) that many Freepers can probably commiserate with:
There was something almost insulting in Taraza's casual tone and only the habits of long association put down Odrade's immediate resentment. It was partly that word "liberal," she realized. Atreides ancestors rose up in rebellion at the word. It was as though her accumulated female memories lashed out at the unconscious assumptions and unexamined prejudices behind the concept.
"Only liberals really think. Only liberals are intellectual. Only liberals understand the needs of their fellows."
How much viciousness lay concealed in that word! Odrade thought. How much secret ego demanding to feel superior.
I just finished reading “America’s Ruling Class — And the Perils of Revolution” on another thread. Fits nicely with your quote.
Dune examines a variety of classes: government, social, economic, political and religious.
Do you believe the series is comparable to Atlas Shrugged as political commentary? Furthur, is the series a source of insight into our current history?
I may take them up after all.