What Comes After Humans? Chapter One: A Brief, Brightly Burning Light

The Doomsday Book, commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086, was a comprehensive survey of England's landholdings and population. It provided valuable data for taxation and governance, offering a detailed snapshot of medieval English society. The survey's meticulous record-keeping established a baseline for understanding land ownership, demographics, and economic resources. Its impact extended far beyond its immediate purpose, shaping future administrative practices and providing historians with an invaluable source of information. The Doomsday Book remains a significant historical artifact, illustrating the importance of accurate data collection for effective governance.

The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text that dates back to the Western Zhou period (1000–750 BC). It evolved over time to include philosophical commentaries known as the Ten Wings. The book is used for divination through the manipulation of yarrow stalks or coins to produce hexagrams, each with its own interpretation. James Legge's translation, part of the Sacred Books of the East series, provides a comprehensive and detailed interpretation of the text, including its historical and philosophical significance. The I Ching has been influential in East Asian philosophical thought and has been studied for centuries for its insights into moral decision-making and the processes of change.