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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Walkaway summary
Cory Doctoro
Brief summary
Walkaway by Cory Doctorow is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores a post-scarcity society where people "walk away" from traditional life and form their own utopian communities. It delves into themes of technology, inequality, and the power of collective action.
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Walkaway
Summary of key ideas
The Rise of Walkaways
In Walkaway by Cory Doctorow, we are introduced to a future world where technology has made it possible to fabricate almost anything from scratch. The gap between the rich and the poor has widened, and a new class of people called the 'Zottas' have emerged – they are the elite who can afford to live forever by uploading their consciousness into the cloud.
Amidst this, we meet three central characters – Hubert, Seth, and Natalie. Disillusioned with the current state of affairs, they decide to 'walk away' from society and its norms. They join a group of like-minded individuals who have created a new way of life in the abandoned areas of the world, scavenging for resources and using 3D printers to create everything they need. They reject the idea of ownership and share everything they have, living in a utopian society.
Conflict and Utopia
However, their utopia is not left unchallenged. The Zottas, afraid of losing their power and control, launch an attack on the walkaways. This conflict leads to a series of events that test the walkaways' ideals and their belief in their way of life. Despite the hardship, the walkaways remain committed to their principles and continue to build their society.
As the story unfolds, we see the walkaways evolve and adapt. They develop new technologies, create a new economy based on their communal values, and even find a way to upload their consciousness into the cloud, effectively achieving immortality without the need for the Zottas' resources. Their journey is a testament to human resilience and the power of community.
The Human Element
Amidst the grand ideas and the futuristic setting, Walkaway remains deeply rooted in the human experience. Doctorow explores the dynamics of relationships, the complexities of identity, and the struggle for purpose and meaning. The characters are multifaceted and flawed, making them relatable and real.
Hubert, Seth, and Natalie, in particular, embody different responses to societal injustice. Hubert is a pragmatist, Seth is a radical, and Natalie is an idealist. Their perspectives provide a well-rounded view of the walkaway movement, adding depth to the narrative.
Exploration of Ideas
Doctorow uses Walkaway to explore a myriad of thought-provoking concepts. He delves into the implications of a post-scarcity economy, the ethics of immortality, the nature of work and ownership, and the potential of technology to reshape society. He also examines the role of resistance and revolution in the face of systemic inequality.
Overall, Walkaway is a compelling exploration of a possible future and the human spirit's capacity for resilience and reinvention. It challenges us to rethink our assumptions about society and the way we live, leaving us with a vision of a world where the 'walkaways' have chosen to define their own destiny.
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What is Walkaway about?
Walkaway by Cory Doctorow is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores a post-scarcity society where people can choose to "walk away" from the traditional system. Set in a near-future world, it delves into themes of technology, inequality, and the pursuit of freedom. The story follows a group of individuals who seek to build a new way of life outside the constraints of the existing social and economic structures.
Walkaway Review
Walkaway (2017) by Cory Doctorow is a thought-provoking novel exploring a near-future society where people are free to walk away from the traditional constraints of wealth and power. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- Challenging the status quo, it presents a radical vision of society where communal living and shared resources redefine human relationships.
- Through its fascinating characters and complex moral dilemmas, it delves deep into themes of freedom, rebellion, and the nature of progress.
- The book's dystopian setting offers a gripping narrative of survival, adventure, and the resilience of the human spirit, making it impossible to put down.
Who should read Walkaway?
Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and speculative fiction
Individuals interested in exploring alternative societal structures and post-scarcity economies
Those who appreciate complex characters and intricate interpersonal relationships
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Walkaway FAQs
What is the main message of Walkaway?
The main message of Walkaway revolves around freedom, community, and redefining societal norms.
How long does it take to read Walkaway?
Reading Walkaway typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.
Is Walkaway a good book? Is it worth reading?
Walkaway is a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional thinking, making it worth exploring.
Who is the author of Walkaway?
Cory Doctorow is the author of Walkaway.
What to read after Walkaway?
If you're wondering what to read next after Walkaway, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly