Tomes will tell: books that predict the future

37 snips

Dec 26, 2024

Guest

Shashank Joshi

Guest

Oliver Morton

Oliver Morton, Planetary Affairs Editor, and Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor, explore how literature can forecast the future. They discuss impactful titles like 'Rainbows End' and 'Nuclear War,' tackling themes of technology, longevity, and the geopolitical risks of nuclear conflict. The conversation also reflects on how fiction mirrors societal issues, especially in the face of climate change and technological advancements. Literature emerges as a vital lens, prompting optimism and engagement for a sustainable future, even amid challenges.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Future Trends

The future holds a mix of technological and social changes, including AI, augmented reality, and evolving online connections.
These changes are explored in Vernor Vinge's Rainbow's End, which, while set in 2025, offers relevant insights into these themes.

ANECDOTE

Rainbow's End

Vernor Vinge's Rainbow's End features a protagonist with Alzheimer's brought back to a world of advanced technology.
The novel explores themes of rejuvenation, ubiquitous computing, and the impact of social media and augmented reality.

ANECDOTE

Life Extension

Andrew Steele's Ageless explores scientific advancements in life extension, suggesting humans could live much longer.
The book examines how animals achieve longevity and how science might apply similar principles to humans.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

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.

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.

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[3][4][6].

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[2][4][5].

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 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[1][3][5].

Orbital

Samantha Harvey

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 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.

Rainbows End

A Novel With One Foot In The Future

Vernor Vinge

In 'Rainbows End', Vernor Vinge depicts a future where technology has advanced significantly, with virtual overlays of reality being the norm. The story follows Robert Gu, an older man re-training at Fairmont High, who becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving advanced biotechnology and a plot to eliminate physical books. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, societal changes, and the intersection of reality and virtuality. It culminates in a dramatic climax involving global protests and a unique resolution to the conspiracy[1][4][5].

On Freedom

Timothy Snyder

In 'On Freedom', Timothy Snyder argues that the concept of freedom has been misunderstood in modern America. He distinguishes between negative freedom (freedom from state power) and positive freedom (the freedom to thrive and take risks for chosen futures through collective effort). Snyder draws on the work of philosophers, political dissidents, and his own experiences to identify the habits of mind and practices necessary for designing a government that allows future generations to flourish. He emphasizes the importance of traditions, institutions, and a politics of abundance, generosity, and grace. The book also critiques libertarianism, exposes injustices in the penal system, and advocates for a culture of solidarity and strong government focused on human flourishing[2][3][5].

NOT THE END OF THE WORLD

Simon Reade

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.

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[1][4][5].

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[1][3][4].

The Battle of Dorking: Reminiscences of a Volunteer

Sir George Tomkyns Chesney

Written in 1871, 'The Battle of Dorking' is a novella by Sir George Tomkyns Chesney that initiated the genre of invasion literature. The story is narrated by an unnamed veteran who recounts the final days before and during the invasion of Britain. The narrative begins with the mobilization of armed forces near the Netherlands, the destruction of the Royal Navy by torpedoes, and an invasion force landing near Worthing, Sussex. The British army, lacking proper training and leadership, is unable to defend against the invaders, leading to the conquest of Britain. The novella ends with Britain being heavily taxed and its empire dismantled, with various territories gaining independence or being ceded to other powers. Chesney used this fiction to highlight the vulnerabilities of Britain's military and advocate for better national defense[1][3][4].