NPR's Book of the Day
In Ali Smith's 'Gliff,' two children flee capture in an authoritarian near-future
Feb 11, 2025
Ali Smith, a celebrated novelist and playwright, discusses her compelling new work, 'Glyph,' which centers on two children marked 'unverifiable' in a dystopian world devoid of libraries. She explores the implications of living in a society rife with authoritarianism and government surveillance. Smith delves into the appeal of authoritarianism, drawing parallels to her former life in advertising and the potent influence of slogans. The conversation also touches on the erosion of knowledge and the hopeful resilience of youth amidst oppressive circumstances.
07:11
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Quick takeaways
- The seductive nature of authoritarianism often presents itself as security, leading individuals to overlook the dangers of lost freedom.
- The decline of libraries inhibits critical thinking, allowing citizens to accept oppressive systems while mistaking limited information for true knowledge.
Deep dives
The Seduction of Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism has a strong appeal, often presenting itself as a means to safety and order in society. This seductive nature can lead individuals to overlook the deeper consequences of living under such regimes, where freedom and individuality may be sacrificed for perceived security. The discussion highlights a troubling trend in the loss of libraries, emphasizing how the absence of access to diverse knowledge sources can engender complacency among citizens. Without the richness of libraries to foster critical thinking and independent thought, people can become reconciled to oppressive systems, mistaking information for knowledge while failing to recognize the underlying control at play.
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