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A review by joeydumont
Last and First Men by Olaf Stapledon
4.0
For a book written in 1930, the ideas put forward are definitely out there. There are technologies that resemble modern technologies, like interconnect networks, but in a very different context and shape than what we would expect.
However, I couldn't determine if Stapledon was trying to say something about his contemporary society, lay down ideals and goals for the human race, or just wanted to express his own out of this world ideas.
The author clearly believes that the ultimate goal of society should be a peaceful world society, all living in harmony for a singular purpose. The price of this, of course, is individuality, or at least a part of our individuality.
I don't believe this is desirable, as it poorly reflects the fractal nature of humanity's culture, hobbies, and interests. I understand that Stapledon's vision encompasses billions of years, but he himself had these ideas in mind.
Overall, I think this book is a good read, but it's not clear if it has a message to convey, or simply ideas to communicate.
However, I couldn't determine if Stapledon was trying to say something about his contemporary society, lay down ideals and goals for the human race, or just wanted to express his own out of this world ideas.
The author clearly believes that the ultimate goal of society should be a peaceful world society, all living in harmony for a singular purpose. The price of this, of course, is individuality, or at least a part of our individuality.
I don't believe this is desirable, as it poorly reflects the fractal nature of humanity's culture, hobbies, and interests. I understand that Stapledon's vision encompasses billions of years, but he himself had these ideas in mind.
Overall, I think this book is a good read, but it's not clear if it has a message to convey, or simply ideas to communicate.