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DOUGLAS ADAMS: Parrots, the Universe and Everything

University of California Television (UCTV) · talk · Watch on YouTube

Animals & natureTech pioneers & interviewsLiterature & writing craft

What it is

Douglas Adams gives a talk at UCSB, recorded shortly before his death, about the odd lives of animals and what they suggest about humanity's future. It draws on his Last Chance to See work and is funny and wide-ranging.

Why Hacker News recommends it

Adams fans repeatedly call it one of his best talks, a funny and moving look at extinction and the environment.

  • 5 people recommended it
  • 6 different months
  • 5 strong recommendations
  • first 2014, last 2025

What HN commenters said

  1. “one of his most wonderful talks”

    One of Adams's most wonderful talks.

    simonebrunozzi, 2019-10 · Strong recommendation · in “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: 40 years of parody and predictions”

  2. “is one of the greatest things I've ever seen.”

    Funny educational standup tying anecdotes and animal facts to environment.

    tombert, 2025-03 · Strong recommendation · in “So Long and Thanks for All the Words: A Toast to Douglas Adams”

  3. “He gave a great talk about it, too”

    Adams's talk about Last Chance to See.

    dylan-m, 2019-10 · Recommendation · in “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: 40 years of parody and predictions”

  4. “he says it was his favorite book to write.”

    Adams discusses Last Chance to See, his favorite book to write.

    Keegs, 2024-07 · Recommendation · in “The Later Years of Douglas Adams”

  5. “I also recommend this video: Parrots, the Universe and Everything”

    Recommended Douglas Adams talk.

    sidmitra, 2025-03 · Recommendation · in “So Long and Thanks for All the Words: A Toast to Douglas Adams”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: douglas adams, last chance to see, extinction, humor, environment

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