Its original intention is to serve as a powerful cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the corrupting nature of power. Through Paul's story, Herbert warns readers about the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders, the importance of understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems, and the potential for even the most well-intentioned individuals to be consumed by their own power. Ultimately, Dune serves as a reminder that the path to hell is often paved with good intentions and that the pursuit of power can lead to devastating consequences for both individuals and entire civilizations.
I am a big fan of the world/ecology building but the storyline itself makes my stomach churn. The movie made my stomach churn a lot more than the book, as numbers don't translate as well as movies with soundtracks do :)