Episode Details

You have a horse.

You do not like the horse. The horse does not like you.

At the moment, you are completely dependent on the horse. The terrain is impossible to traverse on foot. There is no way to travel without a horse. You wish that would change, but when you tell other people, they laugh and call it impossible. A few get angry.

You must spend hours each day feeding, cleaning, and taking care of the horse. You must spend even more time working to earn enough money to pay for the horse's needs. The horse is often unsatisfied with your offerings. No matter how expensive and time consuming your efforts, the horse will desire something more unique, exciting, or comforting.

The horse also requires a third of your day to sit and do nothing. During this time, you cannot do anything or go anywhere.

If you do not comply with the horse's desires, it will make your life miserable.

People tell you that, as the horse's rider, you have complete control over the horse. Somebody must have forgotten to tell the horse this. If the horse is hungry or thirsty, it will draw your [...]

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First published:
September 17th, 2026

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/CY3C8ruCnuHQkJj5b/the-horse

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.