Looking Backward in book reviews
- April 11, 2014, 8:06 a.m.
- |
- Public
by Edward Bellamy
This slim book was written in the late 19th Century. The concept is that the main character, having been hypnotized in order to sleep, isn't woken up for 113 years.
When finally awake, he has to deal with the new society. No competition, no private businesses, every man is taken care of - no unemployment, no crime. It's a Utopian novel.
Although the idea is that the nation is the only business (although the warehouse/ distribution centers seem like Amazon/Walmart combined), the basic premise is that of socialism - from each according to his ability, to each according to his need.
I find some of the ideas VERY exciting.
6 Comments
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Deleted user ⋅ April 11, 2014
The guy is asleep for 113 years? That is very interesting. Imagine seeing the changes of 113 years. I sometimes imagine taking a modern day vehicle and going back in time to the 1950s and seeing looks on people's faces. Thanks for this entry. ; )
Darcy0207 from OD Deleted user ⋅ April 11, 2014
Since it's about a Utopian version of society, there are amazing societal changes... not just the technological ones we're used to. And there are some fascinating projections in the book that have come about - radio, amazon... (a version of it anyway). The fact that the society is supposed to be capitalist, yet seems to be socialist is bizarre. I hope to get people talking, anyway.
Deleted user Darcy0207 from OD ⋅ April 11, 2014
Yes, a very different world than the one we're used to. Really makes you wonder how different our world could be.
Darcy0207 from OD Deleted user ⋅ April 11, 2014
A world where there's no competition, no crime, everyone treated the same... I can see why this is a Utopian society. Too bad how it transitioned is not mentioned in the book. But the ideas are very rational. Maybe mankind is just too emotional...?
Deleted user Darcy0207 from OD ⋅ April 12, 2014
hahaha, you think? Yes, I would have to agree, mankind does take many things too personally, but on the other hand, mankind's emotions also are SOME of the best qualities of mankind too. And then some of mankind's worst qualities also come from emotions. It's a mixed bag and I guess we have to take the good with the bad. Throw out the bad and our world could be much the same as in that story. I'd like to read it. Is it in the book stores?
Darcy0207 from OD Deleted user ⋅ April 12, 2014
Yes, it's still available. I just ordered a Dover "thrift" edition through the book exchange site. Usually I give my books away (also through the exchanges), but this one I want to keep. I want a friend to read it, so requested one for him.