It Could Happen Here CZM Book Club: Hermetica, by Alan Lea, Part Six
Sep 7, 2025
Explore the thought-provoking themes of philosophy, mysticism, and alchemy within a generation ship's gripping narrative. Delve into the complexities of isolation and shared identity in a dystopian setting, where societal collapse and technology commodify personal realities. Unpack the darker reflections of historical injustices and the brutal dynamics of power. Navigate the tension of autonomy in a controlled society while confronting the oppressive systems shaping individuality. These discussions provide a rich tapestry of insights into the human experience.
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Solitary Transfers Enforce Control
- The program moved prisoners without witnesses to increase isolation and reduce knowledge of operations.
- That secrecy helped maintain control over subjects and limit information flow between cells.
Shauna’s Confession As A Storyline Writer
- Shauna explains she was a writer who worked on manufactured storylines and reveals how compartmentalization began.
- She traces the program from marketing identity products to total managed parallel realities when society collapsed.
Buying Identity That Became Reality
- Identity products escalated into sold realities where people curated every part of their lives through managed networks.
- That commodified self-expression made it easy for corporations to offer fully separate, profitable realities.
