The hottest Dystopian Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Fiction Topics

Choose Your Own Apocalypse: Leave the World Behind, Foundation and The Last of Us

The Bigger Picture • 1597 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Dystopian Technology Humanity Social Commentary Regeneration
  1. Cataclysmic destruction in stories signifies regeneration and renewal after devastation.
  2. The mainstream cultural conversation around 'metacrisis' is influencing our behaviors and responses.
  3. Post-apocalyptic tales reflect a growing awareness of the consequences of projecting our energy into technology, emphasizing the importance of returning to our humanity and deepening human connections.

The Perpetual

Handwaving Freakoutery • 407 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Science fiction Speculative Dystopian Transhumanism Satire
  1. Different people are exploring ways to live forever, like using technology or advanced medicine. For instance, some wealthy individuals focus on using powerful medical treatments for longevity.
  2. Some people think of themselves as not just individuals but as entire organizations. This means they might have many lookalikes or replacements to keep their image alive.
  3. As humanity evolves, we might not become greater individuals but instead blend more with corporations and societies, almost losing our original identity.

Tales of the City

So Here’s a Thing • 806 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
⚔ Fiction Dystopian Satire Social Commentary
  1. The Almost Central Station in The City had a mix-up during construction but the mishap was taken in stride as a character-building exercise.
  2. Certain districts in The City got coded names to prevent residents from identifying too closely with their living spaces; this led to crackdowns over time.
  3. In The City, even language usage is monitored by the Ministry of Words, sometimes leading to unintentional bans; employees find themselves in silence most days.

Civil War (the movie) is absolutely right and completely wrong.

Think Future • 159 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Dystopian Political Commentary Social Commentary Thriller
  1. The movie 'Civil War' presents a dystopian-horror road movie with haunting vignettes and no clear good vs. bad sides.
  2. The film's message is a cautionary tale about the dangers and consequences of wishing or inciting a civil war.
  3. The movie serves as a stark reminder of the potential horrors and complexities of a civil war, urging viewers to be wary of the consequences.

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 199 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
⚔ Fiction Superheroes Dystopian Action Character development
  1. Preparations for a heist involve various tasks like acquiring uniforms and scouting locations, which may not be exciting but are crucial.
  2. Characters have differing perspectives on history and legacy, with discussions about the importance of past traditions and letting go of the past to focus on the present.
  3. The story introduces a plot twist involving a rogue superhero and a high-stakes mission, showcasing complex alliances and secretive operations within the narrative.
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Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 219 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
⚔ Fiction Superheroes Espionage Dystopian Crime
  1. Enzyme effects vary based on compatibility and can lead to extraordinary powers but quick deterioration.
  2. Corporate entities exploit enzyme production from high-powered individuals for clandestine purposes.
  3. The heist plan involves infiltration, manipulation of security systems, and retrieval of a discreet 'Registry' item.

Untitled Future, 1

Working Theorys • 86 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Science fiction Dystopian Speculative Narrative Short Stories
  1. In the future, there are special areas called Aicres that are important for survival and status. If you own an Aicre, it means you have power and wealth.
  2. The government is running a bidding process for Aicres, but many believe it's unfair and favors the rich. People are worried about getting left out.
  3. Some hope for a Universal Basic Aicreage to help everyone, but it would still leave most with very little. There’s a lot of tension between the rich and those struggling to survive.

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 239 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
⚔ Fiction Dystopian Sci-fi Short Story
  1. In a dystopian world, digital currency and universal income have not solved problems like high prices and homelessness.
  2. Life is tough for the main character, Adam Mason, facing challenges like not affording a cheeseburger and contemplating extreme actions for survival.
  3. The story delves into dark themes of desperation, limited options, and a struggle for survival in a harsh society.

America's first dystopian novel

WORLD GONE WRONG • 78 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📚 Literature Dystopian Race relations Social Dynamics Racism
  1. America's first dystopian novel, 'Sojourn in the City of Amalgamation,' was written in 1835 by Jerome Bonaparte Holgate under the pseudonym 'Oliver Bolokitten.'
  2. The novel focuses on a society where interracial reproduction is encouraged as a solution to racial prejudice, reflecting the racial tensions and debates of the time.
  3. Dystopian fiction often explores social dynamics, and in America, race plays a significant role due to its powerful impact on society and the fears associated with racial supremacy.

Blessed Boy

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 79 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
⚔ Fiction Dystopian Parenting Gender identity Government Control Social Issues
  1. In this possible future scenario, acquiring a Parenting License is a complex and expensive process, involving strict lifestyle requirements and sacrifices.
  2. The story unfolds with the challenges faced by Steven and Melissa, showing how societal norms and regulations impact their family life and decisions.
  3. The narrative further explores the consequences and transformations experienced by their child, Benny, and the struggle against state intervention in personal matters.

In the Palm of Metal

Trantor Publishing • 19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
⚔ Fiction Short Stories Sci-fi Fantasy Dystopian Technology
  1. People in this story are deeply immersed in a virtual reality world called the VirtNet, aspiring for a more fulfilling life in this digital realm.
  2. The consequences of illegal access to the VirtNet are portrayed, showcasing the severe physical and legal aftermath faced by those who exploit the system.
  3. The story unfolds as a detective and his partner plan a deception to grant one of them a chance at finally plugging into the simulated paradise.

Weird Scenes from a Shrinking Planet (Part 2)

The Permanent Problem • 5 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📚 Literature Speculative Fiction Dystopian Futurism Science fiction Novel
  1. Showing up is crucial in demographics and can have a big impact in the long run.
  2. Rural areas are shrinking due to urbanization and low fertility rates, leading to potential opportunities in abandoned areas.
  3. Artificial wombs could potentially impact fertility rates and raise ethical questions about industrial parenting.

Welcome to gulmohur

storyvoyager • 7 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story Dystopian Novel
  1. A young teacher eagerly awaits her first gifted student at a unique school.
  2. The protagonist navigates an emotional journey involving an infant, parents, and a school's enrollment process.
  3. The story explores themes of duty, potential, and morality in a futuristic setting.

The People of Progress

Trantor Publishing • 0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
⚔ Fiction Short Story Science fiction Philosophical Experimental Dystopian
  1. Man may not fully comprehend his own potential and nature, choosing to remain ignorant of his true capabilities and responsibilities.
  2. In the pursuit of perfection, there were efforts to create the perfect body and perfect mind through advanced technologies and simulations.
  3. The core driving force behind human progress could potentially be a deep-rooted self-hatred, leading humanity towards advancement and exploration as a means to escape its current state.

George Orwell’s Warning for Our Time

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 22
📚 Literature Dystopian Totalitarianism Freedom Technology Surveillance
  1. George Orwell's novel "1984" warns about oppressive government control and surveillance, which is still relevant today.
  2. Orwell's story reminds us of the fragility of freedom and the dangers of totalitarianism, especially in the age of technology and government surveillance.
  3. The key lessons from "1984" include the importance of protecting civil liberties, fighting against oppressive regimes, and being mindful of the ethical use of technology.

The Dystopian Left of 2023

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
📚 Literature Dystopian Authoritarianism Power Dynamics
  1. The Party in George Orwell's '1984' uses slogans like 'WAR IS PEACE' to manipulate citizens into believing that violence leads to peace, preying on vulnerability and desperation.
  2. Another slogan, 'FREEDOM IS SLAVERY', is used to convince people that individual liberty results in bondage under the Party's rule, exploiting fears and insecurities to eliminate resistance.
  3. The maxim 'IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH' highlights the Party's suppression of intellectual curiosity, pushing intentional ignorance as a form of power to obscure truth with propaganda.

Huxley's Vision of a Manufactured Utopia: A Review of "Brave New World"

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
📚 Literature Dystopian Human nature
  1. Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' critiques a society overly reliant on technology, drugs, and control systems, warning of the dangers of sacrificing individual freedom and genuine experiences for the sake of stability and happiness.
  2. The World State in the novel represents a utopia with no war, poverty, or disease, achieved through suppression of personal freedoms and the use of tools like soma that hinder authentic emotions.
  3. Characters like Bernard and John in the novel question the values of the World State, illustrating the high cost of trading human essence for artificial contentment and the loss of deeper human connections.