Here Today…

In 'Propaganda,' Edward Bernays lays out his vision for using propaganda to influence various aspects of society, including government, politics, art, science, and education. The book discusses the 'conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses' as an essential element in democratic society. Bernays argues that this manipulation is carried out by an 'invisible government' of professional propagandists who shape public thoughts, values, and responses. The book explores the psychological and social science basis of propaganda and its application in different fields, highlighting its potential for both beneficial and detrimental uses.

The novel follows Robinson Crusoe, a young and impulsive Englishman, who ignores his parents' advice and sets out to sea. After a series of misadventures, including being captured by pirates and sold into slavery, he is eventually shipwrecked on a deserted island near the coast of Venezuela. There, he spends 28 years surviving against incredible odds, encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers. The story is influenced by real-life castaways such as Alexander Selkirk and blends elements of Puritan spiritual autobiography, travel literature, and adventure stories. It is considered one of the first modern novels in the English language and explores themes of ambition, self-reliance, civilization, and power.

In 'The Big Myth', Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway delve into the history of market fundamentalism, detailing how business elites, trade associations, and media allies have shaped American orthodoxy to favor unfettered markets over government regulation. The authors document campaigns to rewrite textbooks, combat unions, and defend child labor, and they analyze the roles of economists like Friedrich von Hayek and Milton Friedman. The book argues that this ideology has led to significant societal issues, including the housing crisis, the opioid epidemic, climate destruction, and a poor response to the Covid-19 pandemic. By understanding this history, the authors aim to inspire a future where markets serve rather than stifle democracy.

Johann David Wyss's "Swiss Family Robinson" is an adventure novel about a Swiss family shipwrecked on a deserted island. The story follows the family's resourcefulness and ingenuity as they build a life for themselves in their new environment. The novel emphasizes themes of family, resilience, and adaptation. The family's ability to overcome challenges through collaboration and creativity is central to the narrative. "Swiss Family Robinson" is known for its detailed descriptions of the family's inventions and their interactions with the island's flora and fauna.