Will AI Save The World?

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.

The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious young scientist who, through an unorthodox scientific experiment, creates a living creature from dead body parts. Horrified by his creation, Frankenstein abandons the monster, which then seeks revenge against its creator. The story explores themes of life, death, man versus nature, and the consequences of playing God. The narrative is framed by the letters of Captain Robert Walton, who rescues Frankenstein from the Arctic and hears his tragic tale of obsession, guilt, and the pursuit of the monster to the icy desolation of the Arctic.

In 'Economics in One Lesson', Henry Hazlitt provides a concise and instructive introduction to economics by dissecting common economic fallacies. The book's central lesson is that good economics involves considering the long-term and indirect consequences of any policy for all groups, not just the immediate effects on a specific group. Hazlitt uses examples like the 'broken window fallacy' to illustrate how focusing only on immediate benefits can overlook the broader, often negative, consequences. The book advocates for free markets, economic liberty, and non-governmental solutions, making it a critical read for understanding basic economic principles and the pitfalls of government intervention.

The 'Candle Makers' Petition' is a satirical essay by Frédéric Bastiat, published in 1845, which humorously petitions the French government to protect candle makers from the 'unfair competition' of sunlight. It critiques protectionist policies by highlighting the absurdity of seeking protection from a free resource like sunlight. The essay is part of Bastiat's broader critique of mercantilism and advocacy for free trade.