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Why Is Queer Tech a Vital Category in the New Age of Innovation? Recognizing and embracing the diverse needs and perspectives of every individual is essential in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. The Queer Techno category focuses on the involvement and impact of the LGBTQ+ community on technology; it should not be ignored. The challenges faced by the queer community in the tech industry are crucial. It's important to appreciate their valuable contributions, which come from creativity, innovation, and unique perspectives. Inclusive environments for queer tech professionals are vital for a diverse and vibrant technology sector. By doing this, we can fully use our technological innovations and create a fair industry for everyone. Today, we will talk about the Queer-Tech category and the amazing progress that occurs when we combine identity and technology. Let's discover why this captivating field truly deserves our attention. 1. A New and Exciting Concept in Advanced Technology. Queer-Tech is a fast-growing technology category specifically designed for the LGBTQ community. This new technology includes dating apps for LGBTQ+ people, online platforms for , and virtual reality experiences for safe exploration. mental health support It empowers individuals within the LGBTQ community and fosters connection, representation, and understanding. By embracing this unique opportunity, we ensure LGBTQ voices and experiences are part of the digital world. It offers a crucial platform for developing technologies that are inclusive and representative, specifically tailored for the queer community. It also focuses on addressing issues experienced by queer individuals. Queer-Tech is a valuable resource in terms of promoting equity within tech spaces. 2. Exploring the Relationship Between Technology and the LGBTQ Community Combines technology and LGBTQ issues to address the unique challenges faced in the digital world. Creating inclusive spaces online is crucial for LGBTQ individuals to freely express themselves and find support. Queer-Tech professionals are important for creating LGBTQ-friendly apps, online support forums, and virtual communities. They understand the importance of privacy, security, and inclusivity in digital spaces, making sure queer individuals feel safe and respected when using technology. Provided the LGBTQ community with various platforms and tools that meet their specific needs, creating a sense of belonging and empowerment in the digital world. LGBTQ individuals are actively involved in the development and innovation of Queer-Tech. Users' input and experiences shape the design of platforms, apps, and services that meet their needs. They ensure that technology is inclusive, safe, and welcoming for the LGBTQ community. Inclusion extends to improving virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies that can enhance the LGBTQ experience. By participating in Queer-Tech development, LGBTQ people drive innovation and empower their community, creating a sense of digital belonging. This groundbreaking approach utilizes technology to tackle the specific challenges encountered by the LGBTQ community, promoting inclusivity and ensuring safety. AI and machine learning algorithms are used to detect and prevent hate speech and against this group. Technology has proven to be an invaluable asset in providing a safe space for members of the queer community. online harassment 3. Identifying How Technology Serves the Queer Community Unique technology helps the LGBTQ+ community with specific needs and challenges. Digital tools and platforms create solutions for LGBTQ+ people in healthcare, mental wellness, social connections, and personal safety. This progress is a big step for LGBTQ people in the tech industry, offering a great opportunity to enhance the experiences of queer tech professionals. It marks a momentous and crucial step forward for this community. Projected to grow by 15% from 2021 to 2031 - Source: Ping Identity Technology plays a crucial role in empowering the queer community by facilitating connections, fostering representation, and promoting their projects. Through online platforms and apps, queer individuals can find like-minded communities, access essential resources, and create safe spaces for self-expression. Focuses on developing innovative solutions that cater to the specific requirements of queer individuals. Uses technology to improve the lives of queer individuals. Dating apps and virtual support groups are being developed by them. This peculiar tech trend wants to use technology to create an inclusive society where everyone feels acknowledged and understood. Relentlessly pushes the limits of technology to foster a fair and inclusive world for the queer community. It achieves this through various means, such as online activism, digital storytelling platforms, and the development of inclusive language algorithms. By doing so, this new tech community contributes to the ongoing progress towards a more accepting and equal society. LGBTQ community Tech represents a diverse set of technologies designed specifically to meet the unique needs and enhance the experiences of the queer community. Examples include queer , digital spaces for LGBTQ advocacy and support, and gender-neutral online platforms. There has been a rise in developing and using technologies to support LGBTQ+ communities. dating apps These technologies are made to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people, providing platforms for connections, support, and access to resources. This surge in technological innovation is helping to build a more supportive and understanding society for the queer community. Advancements for queer individuals create a safe environment and promote understanding and acceptance. One notable technology that has revolutionized the queer experience is the emergence of queer dating apps. These platforms are for the LGBTQ+ community to connect and form relationships without fear of judgment or discrimination. Digital platforms now serve as virtual communities for LGBTQ+ individuals to come together for advocacy and support. Online forums and social media groups let people share experiences, seek guidance, and connect with others in the community, providing comfort and understanding. Another significant aspect of Queer-Tech is the advent of gender-neutral online platforms. To be more inclusive online, these platforms allow users to choose non-binary or gender-neutral pronouns and identities to acknowledge that gender is not binary. Given the ongoing evolution and increasing acceptance within society, Queer-Tech is playing a vital role in leveraging technological progress to empower the queer community and foster a more inclusive digital environment. Queer-Tech has become an invaluable option for queer communities from all over the world. The LGBTQ+ community is making remarkable strides with technology, harnessing virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to construct inclusive spaces and combat online discrimination. Thanks to advancing technologies, queer communities now have more resources and platforms available to them than ever before. 4. How Queer-Tech Is Involved in Day-to-Day Life Revolutionizes the way LGBTQ individuals navigate their daily lives, offering them a powerful platform to connect, explore, and express their unique identities. Thanks to the rise of social networking apps such as Grindr and Tinder, the LGBTQ+ community can now access remarkable chances to connect with potential partners and cultivate significant relationships in a secure and welcoming environment. These technological advancements play a crucial role in breaking down geographical barriers and fostering a sense of community among LGBTQ individuals globally. It helps people find similar people, have open conversations, and be true to themselves with pride and authenticity. Through this integration of technology and inclusivity, LGBTQ tech has become an invaluable tool for the queer community, facilitating personal growth, connection, and celebration. Queer-Tech not only focuses on developing dating apps but also actively engages in activism and advocacy. Technology has enabled the LGBTQ community to mobilize and raise awareness about important issues. Online platforms such as and social media campaigns have played a crucial role in promoting LGBTQ rights and equality on a global scale. With its intersection of queer identities and technological advancements, has emerged as a powerful force in creating change. Change.org Through innovative applications and technological adaptations, it revolutionized how the LGBTQ community connects, finds support, and empowers one another. They use technology to amplify voices and challenge societal norms. They create safe spaces online and develop innovative tools for advocacy. Using new technologies to promote inclusivity, acceptance, and progress for LGBTQ people around the world. It's a growing movement with activists, academics, and designers who are dedicated to creating empowering technologies for the queer community. This technology includes innovations like algorithms that use gender-neutral language and healthcare apps that are gender-inclusive. These advancements aim to create a more inclusive world. As it evolves, more technological innovations are introduced, leading to greater potential for progress in advancing queer rights. 5. Understanding the Benefits and Challenges of Queer-Tech The LGBTQ community is making significant contributions to the development and utilization of technology, alongside a wide range of diverse individuals. This includes queer engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs who are actively shaping the future of the tech industry. With their unique perspectives and lived experiences, these trailblazers are driving innovation and inclusivity in the realm of technology. They are creating platforms and applications that cater specifically to the needs and interests of the LGBTQ community, whether it be through dating apps, support networks, or inclusive social platforms. By leveraging their technical expertise and understanding of queer culture, these individuals are making significant contributions to the tech movement. These pioneers are having a significant community and the tech industry. They are creating safer online spaces and advancing LGBTQ rights through technology. impact on the queer tech In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, the intersection between queerness and technology is becoming increasingly critical, facilitating connectivity, representation, and empowerment for queer individuals worldwide. One of the key benefits of this unique opportunity is the creation and access to inclusive digital spaces. Including queer perspectives in technology allows for the development of platforms, apps, and software that meet the needs and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. That not only empowers queer individuals but also creates a sense of belonging within the tech industry. In the ever-evolving world of technology, it is crucial to prioritize embracing diversity in all domains, including the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ developers, designers, and entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that their voices are amplified and their invaluable experiences are taken into account in shaping groundbreaking technologies. This proactive approach enhances inclusivity and paves the way for a more accepting and supportive digital environment for all. New technologies have the potential to foster community engagement, facilitate connection-building, and empower individuals in ways that were previously unimaginable. The advances achieved in the field not only bring advantages to the but also foster a brighter, more united future for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ+ community More inclusive future for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The tech industry has made progress in terms of representation and inclusion through initiatives like Queer-Tech. However, it still faces significant challenges. These challenges hinder the full realization of diversity and can impact the experiences of queer individuals working in tech. It is important to address these challenges to create a more inclusive and equitable tech industry. One big problem is the lack of diversity and support for queer people pursuing careers in this field. It's important to keep supporting diversity and providing assistance to those without regular access to new technology, in order to maximize its benefits. . 6. The Role of Activism in Informing and Influencing Queer-Tech Activism, driven by the urgent demand for inclusivity and equality, has been instrumental in shaping and informing mechanisms. Activists have pushed for queer-friendly technologies that prioritize the needs of the queer community, transforming the tech industry. Through their perseverance, platforms and apps have emerged, specifically designed to cater to the unique requirements of queer individuals. These tech solutions help with dating, mental health support, and , providing safe spaces for queer people to connect, seek support, and share their experiences. community building Including queer-friendly features, like inclusive gender options and algorithms based on community, has improved the digital world. This has made queer individuals feel more included and empowered worldwide. As activism continues to evolve alongside technological advancements, the future of this holds immense potential for innovation and progress. Meetups Like Queer Tech at #UNIT Berlin Queer activists have worked to increase representation and visibility in the tech industry, leading to more in the development of Queer-Tech. diversity and inclusion This involves championing the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in influential decision-making positions and guaranteeing that LGBTQ+ perspectives are taken into account at every stage of the development process. Refers to technologies and innovations for the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Unconventional-Tech is a revolutionary movement in technology for the betterment of queer communities, alongside activist campaigns and movements. Revolutionizing the way technology is used and perceived within this community. Involves LGBTQ+ individuals creating and designing technologies to address challenges and meet their specific needs. Including queer perspectives in the development process ensures that technologies are not only functional but also sensitive to identity, creating a more supportive digital environment for queer individuals. Besides activist campaigns and movements, Queer-Tech is a revolutionary movement that is making progress in the field of technology for the betterment of queer communities. Social media platforms, news channels, and online forums have adapted to technology to create a secure digital space for queer individuals, enabling them to effortlessly connect with one another and share their narratives. This movement supports the rights of queer people and has created an accepting and diverse digital world. Would you like to take a stab at answering some of these questions? The link for the template is HERE, just start writing! Interested in what others had to say in their answers? Click HERE. Interested in reading the content from all of our writing prompts? Click HERE.

The Creation of "Queer Tech": Uniting the LGBTQ Community and Technology

"কুইর টেক" এর সৃষ্টি: এলজিবিটিকিউ সম্প্রদায় এবং প্রযুক্তিকে একত্রিত করা

Die Entstehung von „Queer Tech“: Vereinigung der LGBTQ-Community und Technologie

La creación de "Queer Tech": uniendo a la comunidad LGBTQ y la tecnología

La création de « Queer Tech » : unir la communauté LGBTQ et la technologie

"क्वीर टेक" का निर्माण: एलजीबीटीक्यू समुदाय और प्रौद्योगिकी को एकजुट करना

「クィア・テック」の創造：LGBTQコミュニティとテクノロジーの融合

"퀴어 테크"의 창조: LGBTQ 커뮤니티와 기술의 결합

A Criação da "Queer Tech": Unindo a Comunidade LGBTQ e a Tecnologia

Создание «Квир-технологий»: объединение ЛГБТ-сообщества и технологий

"Queer Tech"in Yaratılışı: LGBTQ Topluluğunu ve Teknolojiyi Birleştirmek

Sự sáng tạo của "Công nghệ Queer": Hợp nhất Cộng đồng LGBTQ và Công nghệ

“酷儿科技”的诞生：LGBTQ 群体与科技的结合

Hi All! Here is my weekly email discussing mental models, performance, business, and entrepreneurship. If you love this content (please share it), but also… Check out my , connect with me on / , and read my Podcast YouTube Twitter daily newsletter. What’s in today’s newsletter? The Red Queen Effect is a concept that describes the phenomenon that organisms must constantly adapt, evolve, and compete in order to survive in a dynamic environment where their enemies and competitors are also evolving. The RQE also applies to business, technology, and society. In today’s fast-paced world, staying ahead of the curve requires constant innovation, learning, and improvement. Otherwise, you’re going to fall behind and become obsolete. The RQE also applies to personal and professional development. It means that we have to keep running faster and faster just to stay in the same place. But we can use it as a catalyst for our growth and development by being adaptable, foresighted, and continuously learning. You’re running as fast as you can, but you’re not moving. You’re stuck in the same spot while the world around you changes at warp speed. I can imagine this resonates with a lot of you (as scary and unsettling as this concept is), especially with the advent of new technologies seemingly being discovered and improved upon daily (and sometimes hourly). This is a common feeling in the modern world. You feel like you’re falling behind while everyone else is racing ahead. You’re missing out on opportunities while others are seizing them. You feel like you’re irrelevant, while others are influential. And, as stressful as this may seem, there’s some truth to it. However, this feeling/phenomenon is not new. That’s how Alice (from Wonderland) felt in Lewis Carroll’s classic book, “Through the Looking Glass”. In Wonderland, she met the Red Queen. The context was that Alice was on a chessboard that was moving backward while she was running forward. The Red Queen told her: “Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!” This concept/theory is actually coined the Red Queen Effect (RQE). It’s a concept further explored in evolutionary biology, coined by Leigh Van Valen in 1973. It means that organisms have to constantly adapt, evolve, and compete to survive in a changing environment where their enemies and competitors are also evolving. Similar to how Alice was running but getting nowhere on the Red Queen’s chessboard. However, the RQE is not just for nature. It’s for business, technology, and society, too. In today’s fast-paced world, you have to keep innovating, learning, and improving to stay ahead of the curve. Otherwise, you risk falling behind and becoming irrelevant. The Red Queen Effect in Nature Imagine you’re Alice, and you are running with the Red Queen on a huge chessboard. But no matter how fast you run, you are not moving forward. The chessboard is moving backward at the same speed as you running forward. If you were to power walk, jog, or walk, you’d start to fall behind. It’s like a treadmill, where you have to run just to stay in the same place. This is how nature works. It means that living things have to keep changing and improving just to survive. Because their enemies and rivals are also changing and improving, they’re all running on the same treadmill. You can see the RQE everywhere in nature. It’s why animals and plants are always competing and evolving. For example, frogs have to catch flies to eat, and flies have to escape frogs to live. So frogs develop better tongues and flies develop better wings. This is a never-ending race where no one can win. This is what Charles Darwin discovered when he wrote his famous book, "On the Origin of Species" in 1859. He saw that nature is not peaceful but harsh. He wrote: "The most adaptable to change is the one that survives, not the strongest or the smartest." This is the core of natural selection, the process of evolution. It means that living things that fit their environment better have a higher chance of living and having babies and passing on their good features to their babies. Those who fit their environment worse have a lower chance of living and having babies and leaving behind their bad features. Over time, this leads to the creation of new kinds of living things suited to their own places. The RQE is the reason why we have so many different and amazing life forms on Earth. It is also the reason why we have to keep running to stay alive. The Red Queen Effect in Business The RQE is not only a challenge for nature but also for business. In the business world, the environment is constantly changing. Technology, competition, regulation, and consumer preferences. To succeed in business, you have to keep innovating, learning, and improving. Otherwise, you risk falling behind and losing your market share. Here’s a great example. In 1962, Warren Buffett bought a controlling stake in Berkshire Hathaway, a textile company. He thought he could turn it around by investing in new equipment, cutting costs, and diversifying into other businesses. ![A Young Warren Buffet & The Original Berkshire Hathaway (Source: @TickerHistory)](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7a0939c5-112f-406e-94aa-a4a5af78ff7e_940x496.jpeg "Ticker History 🗞 on X: "On this day in 1965 Warren Buffett gained majority  control of Berkshire Hathaway $BRK.A $BRK.B https://t.co/KFvmaphYR2" / X") But he soon realized that the textile industry was doomed, as cheaper imports from overseas flooded the market. No matter how much he invested, he could not keep up with the changing environment. He’s gone on record stating that the money he poured into the Textile company was the biggest investing mistake he’s ever made. He eventually shut down the textile operations in 1985 and focused on using Berkshire Hathaway as a holding company for his other investments. He learned from his mistake and applied the RQE to his investing strategy. His focus? Businesses that had a durable competitive advantage, such as strong brands, loyal customers, or high barriers to entry. Businesses that could adapt to change and innovate continuously, such as Apple, Amazon, and Netflix. He turned Berkshire Hathaway into one of the most successful and respected companies in the world. What’s the lesson? The RQE is a race you can’t win by running faster. You have to run smarter. The Red Queen Effect in Medicine The RQE doesn’t stop in business. It transcends medicine and health as well. The Emperor of All Maladies (Mukherjee) is a "biography" of cancer, covering the history of cancer treatment and research from ancient times to the present. It won the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 2011 and was acclaimed by critics and audiences. One of the main themes of the book is the RQE in cancer treatment. Mukherjee shows how cancer is a constantly evolving and mutating disease that adapts to the various therapies and drugs that humans have developed to fight it. He writes: (Mukherjee 2010, p. 47). "Cancer is not a concentration camp, but it shares at least one trait with history's most tragic camps: an unceasing capacity to remember and propagate its own suffering. Cancer cells, unlike normal cells, can activate telomerase, an enzyme that allows them to preserve their chromosomes indefinitely. Cancer cells can thus defy the normal cycle of senescence and death. They can grow relentlessly, adaptively, and endlessly." The RQE in cancer treatment means that doctors and researchers have to keep running faster and faster, just to stay in the same place. They have to keep developing new drugs, new combinations, new strategies, and new technologies to keep up with the ever-changing nature of cancer. But outside of cancer, the RQE also applies to medical advancements in general, as well as technological innovations in other fields. Medical advancements are driven by the need to solve problems, improve outcomes, and enhance quality of life. But they also create new problems, new challenges, and new expectations. For example: The development of antibiotics revolutionized the treatment of infectious diseases but also led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which pose a serious threat to public health. The development of vaccines eradicated many deadly diseases but also raised ethical, social, and political issues, such as the anti-vaccination movement, the distribution of vaccines, and the protection of intellectual property rights. The development of organ transplantation saved many lives but also created a shortage of donors, a black market for organs, and a debate over the definition of death. The development of genetic engineering opened up new possibilities for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy but also raised questions about the safety, efficacy, and ethics of modifying the human genome. The development of artificial intelligence and machine learning enabled new applications and insights but also generated concerns about the impact on human autonomy, privacy, and employment. The RQE in medical advancements means that doctors and researchers have to keep innovating, learning, and improving to keep up with the changing needs and demands of patients, society, and the environment. Strategies to Outpace the Red Queen The RQE is not just a business problem. It’s a personal problem. It means we have to run faster and faster just to keep up. But speed is not enough. We need a strategy. We need three skills to run smarter in the RQE: : How to change with the times. How to be flexible, resilient, and open-minded. How to experiment, fail, and learn. How to pivot, scale, and diversify. Adaptability is how we survive. Adaptability : How to see the future. How to be proactive, strategic, and creative. How to spot trends, opportunities, and threats. How to plan and prepare. How to deliver value. Foresight is how we succeed. Foresight : How to learn new things. How to be curious, motivated, and self-directed. How to access, evaluate, and synthesize information. How to collaborate, communicate, and share knowledge. Continuous learning is how we grow. Continuous learning These skills are not either-or. They are all in. They help us stay ahead of the curve, not just by running faster but by running smarter. Some food for thought: : Netflix is a leader in the streaming industry, but it faces constant competition from rivals like Disney+, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max. To stay ahead, Netflix has to invest heavily in original content, technology, and marketing. It also has to adapt to different markets, regulations, and customer preferences. Netflix has to run smarter by leveraging its data, brand, and network effects. Netflix : Tesla is a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry, but it faces challenges from incumbents like Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford. To maintain its edge, Tesla has to innovate constantly in battery, software, and design. It also has to deal with supply chain issues, safety concerns, and environmental impacts. Tesla has to run smarter by harnessing its vision, culture, and fan base. Tesla : You are a professional in a dynamic and competitive field, but you face threats from automation, globalization, and disruption. To advance your career, you have to update your skills, knowledge, and network. You also have to balance your work, life, and health. You have to run smarter by developing your adaptability, foresight, and continuous learning. You The RQE teaches us some important lessons: Change is inevitable and accelerating. We have to embrace it, not resist it. Speed is necessary but not sufficient. We have to be strategic, not reactive. Value is relative and dynamic. We have to create it, not capture it. The RQE is a race we can’t win by running faster. We have to run smarter. Getting Personal I do realize that, to this point, most of this article may seem a little bit doom and gloom, so I figured I’d leave you with a few points on how to see the RQE as a blessing, not a curse. Because I know some of you are thinking that the RQE is not just for nature and business. It’s for you and me. It means we have to run faster and faster just to keep up. But how do we do that? How do we use the RQE to grow and thrive? Well, it’s not easy, but it’s doable. It takes a mix of strategies and mindsets that can help us adapt, anticipate, and learn. Here are a few things that you can lean into that will help you overcome it (and candidly, make you a much stronger person/professional at the same time). : Know where you are and where you want to go. 1. Assess What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your goals and dreams? What are the opportunities and threats around you? How are you doing and improving? By asking these questions, you can find your gaps and areas for improvement. You can also compare yourself with your peers and rivals and see how you stand out. This is the first step of self-awareness and self-improvement. : Make a plan for your growth and development. 2. Develop What are the skills and knowledge you need to learn or improve? What are the resources and tools you need to get or use? What are the actions and steps you need to do or follow? How will you track your progress and results? By answering these questions, you can create a roadmap for your growth and development. You can also set and goals and targets and measure your performance and outcomes. smart achievable : Do your plan and learn as you go. This means that you have to act on your plan and learn from your experience. 3. Execute and iterate You have to be consistent, disciplined, and focused. You also have to be flexible, agile, and responsive. You have to be open to feedback, criticism, and advice. You have to be willing to try, fail, and learn from mistakes. You have to be able to pivot, scale, and diversify when needed. By doing these things, you can do your plan and learn as you go. You can also adjust your plan and strategy as you learn and grow. This is the third step of self-regulation and self-optimization. These strategies can help you use the RQE to your advantage. They can help you not only keep up but get ahead in a world that’s always moving. We don’t have to be scared of the RQE. We can use it as a spark for our growth and development. We can use it as a push for our innovation and excellence. We can use it as a chance for our success and happiness. Being cognizant and aware of the RQE is a way to get ahead in a world that’s always moving. If you enjoyed this article, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at scott@scottdclary.com or at me , and I’ll do my best to get back to everyone! tweet @ScottDClary Also published . here

The Red Queen Effect: Stop Running Faster, Start Thinking Smarter

Mr. John Grey in Queen Anne Street

Mark Twain's Speeches by Mark Twain, is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book . QUEEN VICTORIA here QUEEN VICTORIA ADDRESS TO THE BRITISH SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES CLUB, AT
          DELMONICO’S, MONDAY, MAY 25, 1908, IN HONOR OF QUEEN VICTORIA’S
          BIRTHDAY

          Mr. Clemens told the story of his duel with a rival editor: how
          he practised firing at a barn door and failed to hit it, but a
          friend of his took off the head of a little bird at thirty-five
          yards and attributed the shot to Mark twain.  The duel did not
          take place.  Mr. Clemens continued as follows: It also happened that I was the means of stopping duelling in Nevada, for a law was passed sending all duellists to jail for two years, and the Governor, hearing of my marksmanship, said that if he got me I should go to prison for the full term. That’s why I left Nevada, and I have not been there since. You do me a high honor, indeed, in selecting me to speak of my country in this commemoration of the birthday of that noble lady whose life was consecrated to the virtues and the humanities and to the promotion of lofty ideals, and was a model upon which many a humbler life was formed and made beautiful while she lived, and upon which many such lives will still be formed in the generations that are to come—a life which finds its just image in the star which falls out of its place in the sky and out of existence, but whose light still streams with unfaded lustre across the abysses of space long after its fires have been extinguished at their source. As a woman the Queen was all that the most exacting standards could require. As a far-reaching and effective beneficent moral force she had no peer in her time among either, monarchs or commoners. As a monarch she was without reproach in her great office. We may not venture, perhaps, to say so sweeping a thing as this in cold blood about any monarch that preceded her upon either her own throne or upon any other. It is a colossal eulogy, but it is justified. In those qualities of the heart which beget affection in all sorts and conditions of men she was rich, surprisingly rich, and for this she will still be remembered and revered in the far-off ages when the political glories of her reign shall have faded from vital history and fallen to a place in that scrap-heap of unverifiable odds and ends which we call tradition. Which is to say, in briefer phrase, that her name will live always. And with it her character—a fame rare in the history of thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers, since it will not rest upon harvested selfish and sordid ambitions, but upon love, earned and freely vouchsafed. She mended broken hearts where she could, but she broke none. What she did for us in America in our time of storm and stress we shall not forget, and whenever we call it to mind we shall always remember the wise and righteous mind that guided her in it and sustained and supported her—Prince Albert’s. We need not talk any idle talk here to-night about either possible or impossible war between the two countries; there will be no war while we remain sane and the son of Victoria and Albert sits upon the throne. In conclusion, I believe I may justly claim to utter the voice of my country in saying that we hold him in deep honor, and also in cordially wishing him a long life and a happy reign. About HackerNoon Book Series: We bring you the most important technical, scientific, and insightful public domain books. This book is part of the public domain. Mark Twain (2004). Mark Twain's Speeches. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved October 2022 https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/3188/pg3188-images.html This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at , located at . www.gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html

QUEEN VICTORIA

The Story-book of Science by Jean-Henri Fabre, is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book . THE QUEEN BEE here CHAPTER LXXX. THE QUEEN BEE “The eggs destined to give birth to queens are laid in special cells, much more spacious and solid than those where the working-bees hatch. Their shape is, in a general way, that of a thimble. They are fastened to the edge of the combs and are called royal cells.” “When she lays in a large or small cell,” asked Jules, “does the queen know whether the egg is that of a queen or of a working-bee?” “She does not know, she does not need to know. There is no difference between the queen-eggs and working-bee-eggs. Its treatment alone decides the issue for the egg. Treated in a certain manner, the young larva becomes a queen, on whom depends the future prosperity of the hive; treated in another way, it becomes one of the working people and is furnished with brushes and baskets. Bees make their queens at will; the first egg laid would suffice to fill the royal functions worthily, if treated with that end in view. And what does not treatment, or education, accomplish with us in our tender years? It does not make us kings or peasants, but honest people, which is better; and scoundrels, which is worse. “It need not be said that the bees’ pedagogic methods are not the same as ours. Man, as much mind as matter, if not more, turns his attention above all to the generous impulses of the heart, the noble aspirations of the soul. With bees education is purely animal, and is governed by the dictates of the belly. The kind of food makes either the queen or the working-bee. For the larvæ that are to discharge the functions of royalty the nurses prepare a special pap, a royal dish of which only they know the secret. Whoever eats of it is consecrated queen. “This strengthening nourishment brings about a greater development than usual; for that reason, as I told you, the larvæ destined for royalty are lodged in spacious cells. For these noble cradles wax is used with prodigality. No more hexagonal, parsimonious forms, no thin partitions; a large and sumptuously thick thimble. Economy is silent where queens are concerned.” “It is, then, without the actual queen’s knowledge that bees make other queens?” “Yes, my friend. The queen is excessively jealous, she cannot endure in the hive any bee whose presence may bring the slightest diminution to her royal prerogatives. Woe to the pretenders that should get in her way! ‘Ah! you come to supplant me, to steal from me the love of my subjects!’ Ah, this! Ah, that! It would be something horrible, my children. Read the history of mankind, and you will see what disasters crowned heads, brought to bay, can inflict upon nations. But the working-bees are strong-minded, they know that nothing lasts in this world, not even queens. They treat the reigning sovereign with the greatest respect, without losing sight of the future, which demands other queens. They must have them to perpetuate the race; they will have them, whether or no. To this end the royal pap is served to the larvæ in the large cells. “Now, in the spring, when the working-bees and drones are already hatched, a loud rustling is heard in the royal cells. They are the young queens trying to get out of their wax prisons. The nurses and wax-bees are there, standing guard in a dense battalion. They keep the young queens in their cells by force; to prevent their getting out, they reinforce the wax inclosures, they mend the broken covers. ‘It is not time for you to show yourselves,’ they seem to say; ‘there is danger!’ And very respectfully they resort to violence. Impatient, the young queens renew their rustling. “The queen-mother has heard them. She hastens up in a passion. She stamps with rage on the royal cells, she sends pieces of the wax covers flying and, dragging the pretenders from their cells, she pitilessly tears them to pieces. Several succumb under her blows; but the people surround her, encircle her closely, and little by little draw her away from the scene of carnage. The future is saved: there are still some queens left. “In the meantime wrath is excited and civil war breaks out. Some lean to the old queen, others to the young ones. In this conflict of opinions disorder and tumult succeed to peaceful activity. The hive is filled with menacing buzzings, the well-filled storehouses are given over to pillage. There is an orgy of feasting with no thought of the morrow. Dagger-thrusts are exchanged. The queen decides on a master-stroke: she abandons the ungrateful country, the country that she founded and that now raises up rivals against her. ‘Let them that love me follow me!’ And behold her proudly rushing out of the hive, never to enter it again. Her partizans fly away with her. The emigrating troop forms a swarm, which goes forth to found a new colony elsewhere. “To restore order, the working-bees that were away during the tumult come and join the bees left in the hive. Two young queens set up their rights. Which of them shall reign? A duel to the death shall decide it. They come out of their cells. Hardly have they caught sight of each other when they join in shock of battle, rear upright, seize with their mandibles each an antenna of the other, and hold themselves head to head, breast to breast. In this position, each would only have to bend the end of its stomach a little to plunge its poisoned sting into its rival’s body. But that would be a double death, and their instinct forbids them a mode of assault in which both would perish. They separate and retire. But the people gathered around them prevent their getting away: one of them must succumb. The two queens return to the attack. The more skilful one, at a moment when the other is off guard, jumps on its rival’s back, seizes it where the wing joins the body, and stings it in the side. The victim stretches its legs and dies. All is over. Royal unity is restored, and the hive proceeds to resume its accustomed order and work.” “The bees are very naughty to force the queens to kill one another until there is only one left,” commented Emile. “It is necessary, my little friend; their instinct demands it. Otherwise civil war would rage unceasingly in the hive. But this hard necessity does not make them forget for one moment the respect due to royal dignity. What is to prevent their getting rid of the superfluous queens themselves, even as they so unceremoniously get rid of the drones? But this they are very careful not to do. What one of their number would dare to draw the sword against their sovereigns, even when they are a serious encumbrance? The saving of life not being in their power, they save honor by letting the pretenders fight it out among themselves. “There is always the possibility that the queen, at a time when she is reigning alone and supreme, may perish by accident or die of old age. The bees press respectfully around the deceased; they brush her tenderly, offer her honey as if to revive her; turn her over, feel her lovingly, and treat her with all the regard they gave to her when alive. It takes several days for them to understand, at last, that she is dead, quite dead, and that all their attentions are useless. Then there is general mourning. Every evening for two or three days a lugubrious humming, a sort of funeral dirge, is heard in the hive. “The mourning over, they think about replacing the queen. A young larva is chosen from those in the common cells. It was born to be a wax-bee, but circumstances are going to confer royalty upon it. The working-bees begin by destroying the cells adjacent to the one occupied by the sacred larva, the queen that is to be by unanimous consent. The rearing of royalty requires more space. This being secured, the remaining cell is enlarged and shaped like a thimble, as willed by the high destiny of the nursling it contains. For several days the larva is fed with royal paste, that sugary pap that makes queens, and the miracle is accomplished. The queen is dead, long live the queen!” “The story of the bees is the best you have told us,” declared Jules. “I think so too,” his uncle assented; “that is why I kept it till the last.” “What—the last?” cried Jules. “You are not going to tell us any more stories?” asked Claire. “Never, never?” Emile put in. “As many as you wish, my dear children, but later. The grain is ripe, and the harvest will take up my time. Let us embrace, and finish for the present.” Since Uncle Paul, occupied with his duties in the harvest-field, no longer tells stories in the evening, Emile has gone back to his Noah’s Ark. He found the hind and the elephant moldy! From the time of the story of the ants the child had suspended his visits. FINISH About HackerNoon Book Series: We bring you the most important technical, scientific, and insightful public domain books. This book is part of the public domain. Jean-Henri Fabre (2018). The Story-book of Science. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/56795/pg56795-images.html This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at , located at www.gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html.

The eggs destined to give birth to queens

Sylvie and Bruno by Lewis Carroll, is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book . QUEER STREET, NUMBER FORTY here CHAPTER XVIII. QUEER STREET, NUMBER FORTY Lady Muriel was the speaker. And, for the moment, that was the only fact I could clearly realise. But how she came to be there and how I came to be there—and how the glass of champagne came to be there—all these were questions which I felt it better to think out in silence, and not commit myself to any statement till I understood things a little more clearly. 'First accumulate a mass of Facts: and then construct a Theory.' That, I believe, is the true Scientific Method. I sat up, rubbed my eyes, and began to accumulate Facts. A smooth grassy slope, bounded, at the upper end, by venerable ruins half buried in ivy, at the lower, by a stream seen through arching trees—a dozen gaily-dressed people, seated in little groups here and there—some open hampers—the debris of a picnic—such were the Facts accumulated by the Scientific Researcher. And now, what deep, far-reaching Theory was he to construct from them? The Researcher found himself at fault. Yet stay! One Fact had escaped his notice. While all the rest were grouped in twos and in threes, Arthur was alone: while all tongues were talking, his was silent: while all faces were gay, his was gloomy and despondent. Here was a Fact indeed! The Researcher felt that a Theory must be constructed without delay. Lady Muriel had just risen and left the party. Could that be the cause of his despondency? The Theory hardly rose to the dignity of a Working Hypothesis. Clearly more Facts were needed. The Researcher looked round him once more: and now the Facts accumulated in such bewildering profusion, that the Theory was lost among them. For Lady Muriel had gone to meet a strange gentleman, just visible in the distance: and now she was returning with him, both of them talking eagerly and joyfully, like old friends who have been long parted: and now she was moving from group to group, introducing the new hero of the hour: and he, young, tall, and handsome, moved gracefully at her side, with the erect bearing and firm tread of a soldier. Verily, the Theory looked gloomy for Arthur! His eye caught mine, and he crossed to me. “He is very handsome,” I said. “Abominably handsome!” muttered Arthur: then smiled at his own bitter words. “Lucky no one heard me but you!” “Doctor Forester,” said Lady Muriel, who had just joined us, “let me introduce to you my cousin Eric Lindon Captain Lindon, I should say.” Arthur shook off his ill-temper instantly and completely, as he rose and gave the young soldier his hand. “I have heard of you,” he said. “I'm very glad to make the acquaintance of Lady Muriel's cousin.” “Yes, that's all I'm distinguished for, as yet!” said Eric (so we soon got to call him) with a winning smile. “And I doubt,” glancing at Lady Muriel, “if it even amounts to a good-conduct-badge! But it's something to begin with.” “You must come to my father, Eric,” said Lady Muriel. “I think he's wandering among the ruins.” And the pair moved on. The gloomy look returned to Arthur's face: and I could see it was only to distract his thoughts that he took his place at the side of the metaphysical young lady, and resumed their interrupted discussion. “Talking of Herbert Spencer,” he began, “do you really find no logical difficulty in regarding Nature as a process of involution, passing from definite coherent homogeneity to indefinite incoherent heterogeneity?” Amused as I was at the ingenious jumble he had made of Spencer's words, I kept as grave a face as I could. “No physical difficulty,” she confidently replied: “but I haven't studied Logic much. Would you state the difficulty?” “Well,” said Arthur, “do you accept it as self-evident? Is it as obvious, for instance, as that 'things that are greater than the same are greater than one another'?” “To my mind,” she modestly replied, “it seems quite as obvious. I grasp both truths by intuition. But other minds may need some logical—I forget the technical terms.” “For a complete logical argument,” Arthur began with admirable solemnity, “we need two prim Misses—” “Of course!” she interrupted. “I remember that word now. And they produce—?” “A Delusion,” said Arthur. “Ye—es?” she said dubiously. “I don't seem to remember that so well. But what is the whole argument called?” “A Sillygism? “Ah, yes! I remember now. But I don't need a Sillygism, you know, to prove that mathematical axiom you mentioned.” “Nor to prove that 'all angles are equal', I suppose?” “Why, of course not! One takes such a simple truth as that for granted!” Here I ventured to interpose, and to offer her a plate of strawberries and cream. I felt really uneasy at the thought that she might detect the trick: and I contrived, unperceived by her, to shake my head reprovingly at the pseudo-philosopher. Equally unperceived by her, Arthur slightly raised his shoulders, and spread his hands abroad, as who should say “What else can I say to her?” and moved away, leaving her to discuss her strawberries by 'involution,' or any other way she preferred. By this time the carriages, that were to convey the revelers to their respective homes, had begun to assemble outside the Castle-grounds: and it became evident—now that Lady Muriel's cousin had joined our party that the problem, how to convey five people to Elveston, with a carriage that would only hold four, must somehow be solved. The Honorable Eric Lindon, who was at this moment walking up and down with Lady Muriel, might have solved it at once, no doubt, by announcing his intention of returning on foot. Of this solution there did not seem to be the very smallest probability. The next best solution, it seemed to me, was that I should walk home: and this I at once proposed. “You're sure you don't mind?” said the Earl. “I'm afraid the carriage wont take us all, and I don't like to suggest to Eric to desert his cousin so soon.” “So far from minding it,” I said, “I should prefer it. It will give me time to sketch this beautiful old ruin.” “I'll keep you company,” Arthur suddenly said. And, in answer to what I suppose was a look of surprise on my face, he said in a low voice, “I really would rather. I shall be quite de trop in the carriage!” “I think I'll walk too,” said the Earl. “You'll have to be content with Eric as your escort,” he added, to Lady Muriel, who had joined us while he was speaking. “You must be as entertaining as Cerberus—'three gentlemen rolled into one'—” Lady Muriel said to her companion. “It will be a grand military exploit!” “A sort of Forlorn Hope?” the Captain modestly suggested. “You do pay pretty compliments!” laughed his fair cousin. “Good day to you, gentlemen three—or rather deserters three!” And the two young folk entered the carriage and were driven away. “How long will your sketch take?” said Arthur. “Well,” I said, “I should like an hour for it. Don't you think you had better go without me? I'll return by train. I know there's one in about an hour's time.” “Perhaps that would be best,” said the Earl. “The Station is quite close.” So I was left to my own devices, and soon found a comfortable seat, at the foot of a tree, from which I had a good view of the ruins. “It is a very drowsy day,” I said to myself, idly turning over the leaves of the sketch-book to find a blank page. “Why, I thought you were a mile off by this time!” For, to my surprise, the two walkers were back again. “I came back to remind you,” Arthur said, “that the trains go every ten minutes—” “Nonsense!” I said. “It isn't the Metropolitan Railway!” “It is the Metropolitan Railway,” the Earl insisted. “'This is a part of Kensington.” “Why do you talk with your eyes shut?” said Arthur. “Wake up!” “I think it's the heat makes me so drowsy,” I said, hoping, but not feeling quite sure, that I was talking sense. “Am I awake now?” “I think not,” the Earl judicially pronounced. “What do you think, Doctor? He's only got one eye open!” “And he's snoring like anything!” cried Bruno. “Do wake up, you dear old thing!” And he and Sylvie set to work, rolling the heavy head from side to side, as if its connection with the shoulders was a matter of no sort of importance. And at last the Professor opened his eyes, and sat up, blinking at us with eyes of utter bewilderment. “Would you have the kindness to mention,” he said, addressing me with his usual old-fashioned courtesy, “whereabouts we are just now and who we are, beginning with me?” I thought it best to begin with the children. “This is Sylvie. Sir; and this is Bruno.” “Ah, yes! I know them well enough!” the old man murmured. “Its myself I'm most anxious about. And perhaps you'll be good enough to mention, at the same time, how I got here?” “A harder problem occurs to me,” I ventured to say: “and that is, how you're to get back again.” “True, true!” the Professor replied. “That's the Problem, no doubt. Viewed as a Problem, outside of oneself, it is a most interesting one. Viewed as a portion of one's own biography, it is, I must admit, very distressing!” He groaned, but instantly added, with a chuckle, “As to myself, I think you mentioned that I am—” “Oo're the Professor!” Bruno shouted in his ear. “Didn't oo know that? Oo've come from Outland! And it's ever so far away from here!” The Professor leapt to his feet with the agility of a boy. “Then there's no time to lose!” he exclaimed anxiously. “I'll just ask this guileless peasant, with his brace of buckets that contain (apparently) water, if he'll be so kind as to direct us. Guileless peasant!” he proceeded in a louder voice. “Would you tell us the way to Outland?” The guileless peasant turned with a sheepish grin. “Hey?” was all he said. “The way—to—Outland!” the Professor repeated. The guileless peasant set down his buckets and considered. “Ah dunnot—” “I ought to mention,” the Professor hastily put in, “that whatever you say will be used in evidence against you.” The guileless peasant instantly resumed his buckets. “Then ah says nowt!” he answered briskly, and walked away at a great pace. The children gazed sadly at the rapidly vanishing figure. “He goes very quick!” the Professor said with a sigh. “But I know that was the right thing to say. I've studied your English Laws. However, let's ask this next man that's coming. He is not guileless, and he is not a peasant—but I don't know that either point is of vital importance.” It was, in fact, the Honourable Eric Lindon, who had apparently fulfilled his task of escorting Lady Muriel home, and was now strolling leisurely up and down the road outside the house, enjoying; a solitary cigar. “Might I trouble you, Sir, to tell us the nearest way to Outland!” Oddity as he was, in outward appearance, the Professor was, in that essential nature which no outward disguise could conceal, a thorough gentleman. And, as such, Eric Lindon accepted him instantly. He took the cigar from his mouth, and delicately shook off the ash, while he considered. “The name sounds strange to me,” he said. “I doubt if I can help you?' “It is not very far from Fairyland,” the Professor suggested. Eric Lindon's eye-brows were slightly raised at these words, and an amused smile, which he courteously tried to repress, flitted across his handsome face: “A trifle cracked!” he muttered to himself. “But what a jolly old patriarch it is!” Then he turned to the children. “And ca'n't you help him, little folk?” he said, with a gentleness of tone that seemed to win their hearts at once. “Surely you know all about it? 'How many miles to Babylon?
    Three-score miles and ten.
    Can I get there by candlelight?
    Yes, and back again!'” To my surprise, Bruno ran forwards to him, as if he were some old friend of theirs, seized the disengaged hand and hung on to it with both of his own: and there stood this tall dignified officer in the middle of the road, gravely swinging a little boy to and fro, while Sylvie stood ready to push him, exactly as if a real swing had suddenly been provided for their pastime. “We don't want to get to Babylon, oo know!” Bruno explained as he swung. “And it isn't candlelight: it's daylight!” Sylvie added, giving the swing a push of extra vigour, which nearly took the whole machine off its balance. By this time it was clear to me that Eric Lindon was quite unconscious of my presence. Even the Professor and the children seemed to have lost sight of me: and I stood in the midst of the group, as unconcernedly as a ghost, seeing but unseen. “How perfectly isochronous!” the Professor exclaimed with enthusiasm. He had his watch in his hand, and was carefully counting Bruno's oscillations. “He measures time quite as accurately as a pendulum!” {Image...'How perfectly isochronous!'} “Yet even pendulums,” the good-natured young soldier observed, as he carefully released his hand from Bruno's grasp, “are not a joy for ever! Come, that's enough for one bout, little man!' Next time we meet, you shall have another. Meanwhile you'd better take this old gentleman to Queer Street, Number—” “We'll find it!” cried Bruno eagerly, as they dragged the Professor away. “We are much indebted to you!” the Professor said, looking over his shoulder. “Don't mention it!” replied the officer, raising his hat as a parting salute. “What number did you say!” the Professor called from the distance. The officer made a trumpet of his two hands. “Forty!” he shouted in stentorian tones. “And not piano, by any means!” he added to himself. “It's a mad world, my masters, a mad world!” He lit another cigar, and strolled on towards his hotel. “What a lovely evening!” I said, joining him as he passed me. “Lovely indeed,” he said. “Where did you come from? Dropped from the clouds?” “I'm strolling your way,” I said; and no further explanation seemed necessary. “Have a cigar?” “Thanks: I'm not a smoker.” “Is there a Lunatic Asylum near here?” “Not that I know of.” “Thought there might be. Met a lunatic just now. Queer old fish as ever I saw!” And so, in friendly chat, we took our homeward ways, and wished each other 'good-night' at the door of his hotel. Left to myself, I felt the 'eerie' feeling rush over me again, and saw, standing at the door of Number Forty, the three figures I knew so well. “Then it's the wrong house?” Bruno was saying. “No, no! It's the right house,” the Professor cheerfully replied: “but it's the wrong street. That's where we've made our mistake! Our best plan, now, will be to—” It was over. The street was empty, Commonplace life was around me, and the 'eerie' feeling had fled. About HackerNoon Book Series: We bring you the most important technical, scientific, and insightful public domain books. This book is part of the public domain. Lewis Carroll (1996). Sylvie and Bruno. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved October 2022 https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/620/pg620-images.html This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at , located at . www.gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html

QUEER STREET, NUMBER FORTY

Queen Alice

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book . The Queen’s Croquet-Ground here CHAPTER VIII. The Queen’s Croquet-Ground A large rose-tree stood near the entrance of the garden: the roses growing on it were white, but there were three gardeners at it, busily painting them red. Alice thought this a very curious thing, and she went nearer to watch them, and just as she came up to them she heard one of them say, “Look out now, Five! Don’t go splashing paint over me like that!” “I couldn’t help it,” said Five, in a sulky tone; “Seven jogged my elbow.” On which Seven looked up and said, “That’s right, Five! Always lay the blame on others!” “ better not talk!” said Five. “I heard the Queen say only yesterday you deserved to be beheaded!” You’d “What for?” said the one who had spoken first. “That’s none of business, Two!” said Seven. your “Yes, it his business!” said Five, “and I’ll tell him—it was for bringing the cook tulip-roots instead of onions.” is Seven flung down his brush, and had just begun “Well, of all the unjust things—” when his eye chanced to fall upon Alice, as she stood watching them, and he checked himself suddenly: the others looked round also, and all of them bowed low. “Would you tell me,” said Alice, a little timidly, “why you are painting those roses?” Five and Seven said nothing, but looked at Two. Two began in a low voice, “Why the fact is, you see, Miss, this here ought to have been a rose-tree, and we put a white one in by mistake; and if the Queen was to find it out, we should all have our heads cut off, you know. So you see, Miss, we’re doing our best, afore she comes, to—” At this moment Five, who had been anxiously looking across the garden, called out “The Queen! The Queen!” and the three gardeners instantly threw themselves flat upon their faces. There was a sound of many footsteps, and Alice looked round, eager to see the Queen. red First came ten soldiers carrying clubs; these were all shaped like the three gardeners, oblong and flat, with their hands and feet at the corners: next the ten courtiers; these were ornamented all over with diamonds, and walked two and two, as the soldiers did. After these came the royal children; there were ten of them, and the little dears came jumping merrily along hand in hand, in couples: they were all ornamented with hearts. Next came the guests, mostly Kings and Queens, and among them Alice recognised the White Rabbit: it was talking in a hurried nervous manner, smiling at everything that was said, and went by without noticing her. Then followed the Knave of Hearts, carrying the King’s crown on a crimson velvet cushion; and, last of all this grand procession, came THE KING AND QUEEN OF HEARTS. Alice was rather doubtful whether she ought not to lie down on her face like the three gardeners, but she could not remember ever having heard of such a rule at processions; “and besides, what would be the use of a procession,” thought she, “if people had all to lie down upon their faces, so that they couldn’t see it?” So she stood still where she was, and waited. When the procession came opposite to Alice, they all stopped and looked at her, and the Queen said severely “Who is this?” She said it to the Knave of Hearts, who only bowed and smiled in reply. “Idiot!” said the Queen, tossing her head impatiently; and, turning to Alice, she went on, “What’s your name, child?” “My name is Alice, so please your Majesty,” said Alice very politely; but she added, to herself, “Why, they’re only a pack of cards, after all. I needn’t be afraid of them!” “And who are ” said the Queen, pointing to the three gardeners who were lying round the rose-tree; for, you see, as they were lying on their faces, and the pattern on their backs was the same as the rest of the pack, she could not tell whether they were gardeners, or soldiers, or courtiers, or three of her own children. these? “How should know?” said Alice, surprised at her own courage. “It’s no business of .” I mine The Queen turned crimson with fury, and, after glaring at her for a moment like a wild beast, screamed “Off with her head! Off—” “Nonsense!” said Alice, very loudly and decidedly, and the Queen was silent. The King laid his hand upon her arm, and timidly said “Consider, my dear: she is only a child!” The Queen turned angrily away from him, and said to the Knave “Turn them over!” The Knave did so, very carefully, with one foot. “Get up!” said the Queen, in a shrill, loud voice, and the three gardeners instantly jumped up, and began bowing to the King, the Queen, the royal children, and everybody else. “Leave off that!” screamed the Queen. “You make me giddy.” And then, turning to the rose-tree, she went on, “What you been doing here?” have “May it please your Majesty,” said Two, in a very humble tone, going down on one knee as he spoke, “we were trying—” “ see!” said the Queen, who had meanwhile been examining the roses. “Off with their heads!” and the procession moved on, three of the soldiers remaining behind to execute the unfortunate gardeners, who ran to Alice for protection. I “You shan’t be beheaded!” said Alice, and she put them into a large flower-pot that stood near. The three soldiers wandered about for a minute or two, looking for them, and then quietly marched off after the others. “Are their heads off?” shouted the Queen. “Their heads are gone, if it please your Majesty!” the soldiers shouted in reply. “That’s right!” shouted the Queen. “Can you play croquet?” The soldiers were silent, and looked at Alice, as the question was evidently meant for her. “Yes!” shouted Alice. “Come on, then!” roared the Queen, and Alice joined the procession, wondering very much what would happen next. “It’s—it’s a very fine day!” said a timid voice at her side. She was walking by the White Rabbit, who was peeping anxiously into her face. “Very,” said Alice: “—where’s the Duchess?” “Hush! Hush!” said the Rabbit in a low, hurried tone. He looked anxiously over his shoulder as he spoke, and then raised himself upon tiptoe, put his mouth close to her ear, and whispered “She’s under sentence of execution.” “What for?” said Alice. “Did you say ‘What a pity!’?” the Rabbit asked. “No, I didn’t,” said Alice: “I don’t think it’s at all a pity. I said ‘What for?’” “She boxed the Queen’s ears—” the Rabbit began. Alice gave a little scream of laughter. “Oh, hush!” the Rabbit whispered in a frightened tone. “The Queen will hear you! You see, she came rather late, and the Queen said—” “Get to your places!” shouted the Queen in a voice of thunder, and people began running about in all directions, tumbling up against each other; however, they got settled down in a minute or two, and the game began. Alice thought she had never seen such a curious croquet-ground in her life; it was all ridges and furrows; the balls were live hedgehogs, the mallets live flamingoes, and the soldiers had to double themselves up and to stand on their hands and feet, to make the arches. The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo: she succeeded in getting its body tucked away, comfortably enough, under her arm, with its legs hanging down, but generally, just as she had got its neck nicely straightened out, and was going to give the hedgehog a blow with its head, it twist itself round and look up in her face, with such a puzzled expression that she could not help bursting out laughing: and when she had got its head down, and was going to begin again, it was very provoking to find that the hedgehog had unrolled itself, and was in the act of crawling away: besides all this, there was generally a ridge or furrow in the way wherever she wanted to send the hedgehog to, and, as the doubled-up soldiers were always getting up and walking off to other parts of the ground, Alice soon came to the conclusion that it was a very difficult game indeed. would The players all played at once without waiting for turns, quarrelling all the while, and fighting for the hedgehogs; and in a very short time the Queen was in a furious passion, and went stamping about, and shouting “Off with his head!” or “Off with her head!” about once in a minute. Alice began to feel very uneasy: to be sure, she had not as yet had any dispute with the Queen, but she knew that it might happen any minute, “and then,” thought she, “what would become of me? They’re dreadfully fond of beheading people here; the great wonder is, that there’s any one left alive!” She was looking about for some way of escape, and wondering whether she could get away without being seen, when she noticed a curious appearance in the air: it puzzled her very much at first, but, after watching it a minute or two, she made it out to be a grin, and she said to herself “It’s the Cheshire Cat: now I shall have somebody to talk to.” “How are you getting on?” said the Cat, as soon as there was mouth enough for it to speak with. Alice waited till the eyes appeared, and then nodded. “It’s no use speaking to it,” she thought, “till its ears have come, or at least one of them.” In another minute the whole head appeared, and then Alice put down her flamingo, and began an account of the game, feeling very glad she had someone to listen to her. The Cat seemed to think that there was enough of it now in sight, and no more of it appeared. “I don’t think they play at all fairly,” Alice began, in rather a complaining tone, “and they all quarrel so dreadfully one can’t hear oneself speak—and they don’t seem to have any rules in particular; at least, if there are, nobody attends to them—and you’ve no idea how confusing it is all the things being alive; for instance, there’s the arch I’ve got to go through next walking about at the other end of the ground—and I should have croqueted the Queen’s hedgehog just now, only it ran away when it saw mine coming!” “How do you like the Queen?” said the Cat in a low voice. “Not at all,” said Alice: “she’s so extremely—” Just then she noticed that the Queen was close behind her, listening: so she went on, “—likely to win, that it’s hardly worth while finishing the game.” The Queen smiled and passed on. “Who you talking to?” said the King, going up to Alice, and looking at the Cat’s head with great curiosity. are “It’s a friend of mine—a Cheshire Cat,” said Alice: “allow me to introduce it.” “I don’t like the look of it at all,” said the King: “however, it may kiss my hand if it likes.” “I’d rather not,” the Cat remarked. “Don’t be impertinent,” said the King, “and don’t look at me like that!” He got behind Alice as he spoke. “A cat may look at a king,” said Alice. “I’ve read that in some book, but I don’t remember where.” “Well, it must be removed,” said the King very decidedly, and he called the Queen, who was passing at the moment, “My dear! I wish you would have this cat removed!” The Queen had only one way of settling all difficulties, great or small. “Off with his head!” she said, without even looking round. “I’ll fetch the executioner myself,” said the King eagerly, and he hurried off. Alice thought she might as well go back, and see how the game was going on, as she heard the Queen’s voice in the distance, screaming with passion. She had already heard her sentence three of the players to be executed for having missed their turns, and she did not like the look of things at all, as the game was in such confusion that she never knew whether it was her turn or not. So she went in search of her hedgehog. The hedgehog was engaged in a fight with another hedgehog, which seemed to Alice an excellent opportunity for croqueting one of them with the other: the only difficulty was, that her flamingo was gone across to the other side of the garden, where Alice could see it trying in a helpless sort of way to fly up into a tree. By the time she had caught the flamingo and brought it back, the fight was over, and both the hedgehogs were out of sight: “but it doesn’t matter much,” thought Alice, “as all the arches are gone from this side of the ground.” So she tucked it away under her arm, that it might not escape again, and went back for a little more conversation with her friend. When she got back to the Cheshire Cat, she was surprised to find quite a large crowd collected round it: there was a dispute going on between the executioner, the King, and the Queen, who were all talking at once, while all the rest were quite silent, and looked very uncomfortable. The moment Alice appeared, she was appealed to by all three to settle the question, and they repeated their arguments to her, though, as they all spoke at once, she found it very hard indeed to make out exactly what they said. The executioner’s argument was, that you couldn’t cut off a head unless there was a body to cut it off from: that he had never had to do such a thing before, and he wasn’t going to begin at time of life. his The King’s argument was, that anything that had a head could be beheaded, and that you weren’t to talk nonsense. The Queen’s argument was, that if something wasn’t done about it in less than no time she’d have everybody executed, all round. (It was this last remark that had made the whole party look so grave and anxious.) Alice could think of nothing else to say but “It belongs to the Duchess: you’d better ask about it.” her “She’s in prison,” the Queen said to the executioner: “fetch her here.” And the executioner went off like an arrow. The Cat’s head began fading away the moment he was gone, and, by the time he had come back with the Duchess, it had entirely disappeared; so the King and the executioner ran wildly up and down looking for it, while the rest of the party went back to the game. About HackerNoon Book Series: We bring you the most important technical, scientific, and insightful public domain books. This book is part of the public domain. Lewis Carroll (2008). Alice in Wonderland. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/11/pg11-images.html This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at , located at www.gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html.

The Queen’s Croquet-Ground

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