Economist Podcasts Tomes will tell: books that predict the future
A humorous introduction reflects on the role of books in navigating current events. The hosts dive into literary visions of the future, tackling technology and societal changes, particularly through notable titles like 'Rainbow's End.' Critical analysis is given to nuclear decision-making and its implications. Listener recommendations spark discussions on optimism and pessimism in future narratives, while science fiction serves as a lens on socio-political issues. The conversation wraps up with reflections on how literature can inform our personal and collective futures.
36:05
Technological and Social Shifts
- The future holds a convergence of AI, augmented reality, and evolving social connections.
- These technologies will reshape how we interact with the world and each other.
Rainbow's End
- Vernor Vinge's Rainbow's End explores themes of AI, social media, and augmented reality in 2025.
- Though fictional, the book offers insights into a world of ubiquitous computation and its potential consequences.
Life Extension
- Andrew Steele's Ageless suggests humans could live much longer than currently possible, citing examples like bowhead whales and naked mole rats.
- Scientific exploration into extending human lifespan through various methods is underway.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Future Visions: Technology, Longevity, and Geopolitics
02:09 • 12min
Analysis of Presidential Decision-Making in Nuclear Scenarios
13:51 • 3min
Visions of the Future: Books and Beyond
16:49 • 15min
Science Fiction as Socio-Political Commentary
32:07 • 5min
Exploring Literary Predictions and Personal Futures
37:30 • 2min
War
Bob Woodward
In this book, Bob Woodward provides an intimate and sweeping account of one of the most tumultuous periods in presidential politics and American history.
The narrative centers on President Joe Biden’s approach to managing the war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as Donald Trump’s efforts to regain political power.
Woodward reveals the complexity and consequences of wartime back-channel diplomacy and decision-making, highlighting efforts to deter the use of nuclear weapons and prevent a rapid slide into World War III.
Severance
Ling Ma
In *Severance*, Ling Ma tells the story of Candace Chen, a millennial who works as a Senior Product Coordinator for the Bibles Division at a Manhattan-based publishing company.
The narrative shifts between Candace's life before and after the Shen Fever pandemic, which slowly obliterates global civilization.
The book delves into themes of nostalgia, the monotony of modern office culture, and the complexities of intimate relationships.
As Candace joins a group of survivors led by the power-hungry IT tech Bob, she must confront her own secrets and the challenges of starting anew in a post-apocalyptic world.
The novel is a satire that critiques contemporary life, consumerism, and the global economic system, while also being a heartfelt tribute to the connections that drive human survival and meaning.
The Broken Earth Trilogy
N.K. Jemisin
The Broken Earth trilogy, comprising The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, and The Stone Sky, is set in a world where catastrophic events known as Seasons have shaped the society and geography.
The series follows characters like Essun, a powerful orogene, as they navigate a world where orogenes are both feared and essential for survival.
The trilogy explores themes of racial and religious intolerance, environmental calamities, and the struggle for power and survival in a world constantly on the brink of disaster.
Each book in the trilogy won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, with The Stone Sky also winning the 2017 Nebula Award for Best Novel.
NOT THE END OF THE WORLD
Simon Reade
A Psalm for the Wild-Built
Becky Chambers
A Psalm for the Wild-Built is the first book in the Monk & Robot series by Becky Chambers.
The story takes place in a utopian future after the end of the Factory Age, where robots have gained consciousness and chosen to live in the wilderness.
The novella follows Sibling Dex, a tea monk, and Mosscap, a sentient robot, as they journey to an abandoned hermitage.
Along the way, they engage in philosophical discussions about human needs, purpose, and fulfillment.
The book is characterized by its hopeful and optimistic tone, exploring themes of human nature, spirituality, and the importance of understanding and respecting each other's choices and agency.
The Ministry for the Future
Kim Stanley Robinson
The Ministry for the Future is a novel by Kim Stanley Robinson that delves into the urgent issue of climate change.
Set in the near future, the story follows the establishment of a UN agency, the Ministry for the Future, whose mission is to advocate for the rights of future generations.
The novel is told through multiple perspectives, including those of Mary Murphy, the head of the Ministry, and Frank May, an American aid worker who survives a devastating heat wave in India.
The book explores various innovative solutions to climate change, such as the introduction of a new currency called 'carboni' to incentivize decarbonization, and it presents a hopeful yet realistic vision of how humanity might cooperate to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The narrative includes a mix of fictional eyewitness accounts, non-fiction descriptions, and diverse writing styles, reflecting the complexity and urgency of the climate crisis.
Orbital
Samantha Harvey
1984
None
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism.
The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother.
Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative.
He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination.
The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
QualityLand
Marc-Uwe Kling
In 'QualityLand', Marc-Uwe Kling presents a satirical vision of a future where technology and algorithms govern every aspect of life.
The story is set in QualityLand, a society where a universal ranking system determines social advantages, career opportunities, and even romantic partners.
Peter Jobless, a machine scrapper, feels out of place in this highly automated world and becomes the leader of a group of robotic misfits.
When Peter receives an unwanted product from TheShop, the dominant company in QualityLand, he decides to return it, which challenges the infallible algorithms and the very foundations of the society.
The book is a sharp critique of consumer culture, technology, and the impact of algorithms on human relationships and identity, balanced with humor and absurd scenarios.
Ancillary Justice
Ann Leckie
Ancillary Justice is a science fiction novel set thousands of years in the future in the expansionist Radch empire.
The story follows Breq, who is both the sole survivor of the starship Justice of Toren and the vessel of that ship's artificial consciousness.
Breq seeks revenge against the ruler of her civilization, navigating a complex world where the Radchaai do not distinguish people by gender.
The novel explores themes of identity, humanity, social inequality, and gender, and it is the first in the Imperial Radch trilogy.
Ageless
The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old
Andrew Steele
In 'Ageless,' Andrew Steele delves into the laboratories where scientists are studying every bodily system that declines with age, including DNA, mitochondria, stem cells, and the immune system.
He argues that aging is not an inevitable biological process but rather a disease that can be prevented and potentially reversed.
The book covers the history of aging research, current advancements, and future prospects for therapies such as senolytics, gene therapy, and stem cell treatments.
Steele presents a hopeful and optimistic view of the potential for significant life extension and improved healthspan through these scientific breakthroughs.
Land of Milk and Honey
C. Pam Zhang
Nuclear War
A Scenario
Annie Jacobsen
In 'Nuclear War: A Scenario', Annie Jacobsen presents a meticulously researched and chilling scenario of a nuclear war.
The book begins with a surprise nuclear attack by North Korea on the United States, triggering a cascade of events that involve multiple nations and lead to catastrophic consequences.
Jacobsen draws on exclusive interviews with military and civilian experts, as well as recently declassified government reports, to outline the minute-by-minute unfolding of a nuclear conflict.
The book highlights the dangers of the 'Launch on Warning' policy, the inadequacy of current nuclear defenses, and the devastating impact on global civilization, including the immediate destruction, long-term environmental damage, and the eventual collapse of societal structures.
Jacobsen's work serves as a call to action for disarmament and a stark reminder of the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons.
The Battle of Dorking
null
Sir George Tomkyns Chesney
Rainbow's End
null
Vernor Vinge
Vernor Vinge's "Rainbow's End" is a science fiction novel set in a near-future 2025, exploring themes of advanced technology and its impact on society.
The story follows a protagonist grappling with the consequences of neural control, AI, and ubiquitous computing.
The novel delves into the complexities of social media and augmented reality, examining how these technologies shape human interaction and perception.
Vinge's work is known for its exploration of technological singularity and its potential societal ramifications.
The narrative is characterized by its intricate plot and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in a technologically advanced world.
On Freedom and On Tyranny
On Freedom and On Tyranny
null
Timothy Snyder
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter
Carson McCullers
The novel is set in a small Georgia mill town during the 1930s and revolves around John Singer, a deaf man who becomes a confidant for several of the town's misfits, including Mick Kelly, a teenage girl with musical aspirations; Dr. Benedict Mady Copeland, the town's black doctor; Jake Blount, an alcoholic socialist; and Biff Brannon, the owner of the local café.
The story delves into their struggles and the profound sense of moral isolation they experience, highlighting the themes of loneliness and the search for human connection.
The novel is known for its sensitive portrayal of the inner lives of its characters and is considered a classic of the Southern Gothic tradition.
Some people read books to escape. Others turn to them for instruction. As the new year looms, our correspondents – and listeners – consider which titles can help forecast what’s coming next. Picks include “Rainbows End” by Vernor Vinge, “Nuclear War” by Annie Jacobsen, “Not the End of the World” by Hannah Richie and “Orbital” by Samantha Harvey.
This is a full list of the books mentioned in the show:
“Rainbow’s End, A Deepness in the Sky and A Fire upon the Deep” by Vernor Vinge
“Ageless” by Andrew Steele
“War” by Bob Woodward
“Nuclear War: A Scenario” by Annie Jackobson
“1984” by George Orwell
“On Freedom and On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder
“A Psalm for the Wild-Built” by Becky Chambers
“Qualityland” from Marc-Uwe Kling
“Ministry of the Future” by Kim Stanley Robinson
“Severance” by Ling Ma
“Land of Milk and Money” by C Pam Zhang
“The Broken Earth Trilogy” by NK Jemisin
“Not the End of the World" by Hannah Ritchie
“Orbital” by Samantha Harvey
“The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers
“Ancillary Justice” (The Imperial Rasch Series) by Ann Leckie
“The Battle of Dorking” by Sir George Chesney
“War of the Worlds" by HG Wells
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