Thread: The Dice Man

Have any of you read this book? I was reading the short story, 'A Little Light Philosophy' (an excellent story on this website I'd recommend) and it reminded me of this novel. It's about a psychologist that decides to change the way he lives through living purely by chance, which leads to the gradual destruction of the personality and of course prevents him from living his ordinary life. It is very funny in places, often subversive, but has such an interesting philosophical concept that you are almost tempted to start rolling dice myself. I have to admit, having finished it, I had to keep myself locked in the house for a while to make sure that my deepest inhibitions didn't run away with me!

I have read this and it was a good read. It was amusing and enjoyable for the most part but also disturbing from time to time. I can entirely see why you were tempted to start rolling the dice after reading, the points the novel makes are weirdly compelling. As an exercise to stave off boredom for an evening I can see the attraction and potential of the dice games. I'm not sure I'll ever pluck up the courage to give it a go! I'd have to go and actually buy some dice anyway. But I'm pretty sure the vast majority of people would keep a few more safeguards in place and never allow themselves to go to the extremes of the protagonist of The Dice Man. As a philisophical work I found it limited to be honest. Dr Luke Rhinehart, the main character, is a priviledged, well-off man and ultimately spoilt. I think most people are too busy just getting by and enjoying whatever freedom from daily drudgery time and money permit to be bothered by the troublesome thoughts that led Luke to the dice. That might be reading too much into it though.

I enjoyed this book simply because of its disturbing qualities, the idea that a personality can be so easily pulled apart is just horrible. I think that it is such a simple idea for a book that is blown so out of proportion that it borders on ridiculous. I can see why you'd want to play a dice game, it does seem very interesting a part of me really wanted to when Luke first started out but as it went on I realised the control that the dice obtained. I can't stand the idea of being controlled therefore I'd probably never try it. Such an amazing book though, hardly anyone I know has read it and it's always nice to be able to express an opinion on things like this.