"Experience is not what happens to a ma; it is what a man does with what happens to him "

Imane Farihy, Anna Degli Esposti,Giorgia Di Maggio, Fatou Diongue, Angelica Cassella

From Dickens to Huxley....A journey through literature and society

"Experience is not what happens to a ma; it is what a man does with what happens to him "

Charles Dickens, James Joyce, George Orwell and Aldous Huxley. Their contribution played a huge role in developing the literature of the 20th century and aided in shaping modern literature. These authors are connected through their works, as they explore similar themes of societal control, individuality, and the impact of political and technological forces on the human condition.

A Tale of Two Cities written by Charles Dickens in 1859 is a historical novel, set during the French Revolution, contrasts Paris and London. It explores themes of sacrifice, rebirth, and political chaos, focusing on how society responds to injustice and the struggles of the common people. reflects on how individuals can be shaped by, or trapped in, larger societal movements and revolutions. Ulysses written by James Joyce in 1922 takes place over one day in Dublin, exploring the thoughts of its main characters Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and Molly Bloom.

works and their meaning

Joyce focuses on Inner exploration or rather focused on personal consciousness, while Huxley’s Brave New World looks at the loss of individuality in a controlled society. Orwell's 1984 a dystopian novel and Huxley’s Brave New World both critique totalitarian control. In 1984, the government, led by Big Brother, watched and controlled everything. Orwell focuses on fear, surveillance, and repression. Huxley’s Brave New World looks at how a society obsessed with pleasure and stability can also remove individuality.

All four of these authors,Dickens, Joyce, Huxley, and Orwell explore the impact of societal forces on the individual. Dickens focuses on the struggles of ordinary people during times of political issues, while Joyce examines the complexities of self-discovery and identity within society. Huxley and Orwell warn about the dangers of losing personal freedom in societies controlled by powerful forces. Huxley through pleasure and conformity, and Orwell through surveillance and repression. Collectively, these works highlight how political, social, and technological systems shape personal identity and human experience.

AI could become the new Big Brother is Watching You by Orwell, surveilling and invading individuals' privacy in the name of security and efficiency.

As we studied in Huxley’s Brave New World, technology places limits on our freedom, creating a society where no one stands out . For example, today's social media and AI often controls how we think and behave and Huxley’s story warns about the dangers of relying too much on technology and losing our unique identities.

Pros and cons of AI

That is to say AI offers efficiency, 24/7 availability, and data-driven insights, helping reduce costs and improve decision-making. It can personalize services and enhance human capabilities, especially in healthcare. However, it may lead to job losses, high development costs, and lack emotional intelligence. AI systems can raise privacy concerns, and create dependency on technology. Additionally, new skill gaps may emerge, and AI outcomes can be unpredictable.

Without Big Brother, totalitarian control in society would still exist, but it might come from less visible sources like government or propaganda. People could have more freedom and privacy, allowing for independent thought and questioning authority. The fear of punishment for dissent would also decrease, giving individuals more space to rebel or think freely. And without AI, there would be less data tracking and influence from advertisers or governments.

But what if there were no Big Brother and AI ?

Surveillance system

However, the ways in which these systems are implemented, and the broader societal effects, differ greatly because of the political systems, societal values, and objectives of each country.

in both Britain and China have sparked significant debates due to their scale, technological sophistication, and the impact they have on individual freedoms, privacy, and state control.

Britain surveillance is mainly aimed at ensuring public safety, preventing crime, and maintaining order, primarily through the widespread use of CCTV cameras in public areas. While the UK’s surveillance system is extensive, there is a focus on public accountability. This means there is ongoing debate over how to balance public safety with personal privacy and the appropriate use of data.

Britain & UK surveillance

China's surveillance system is more than just for crime prevention; it's part of a state-controlled network that monitors citizens to maintain social control. This includes the "Social Credit System," which tracks behavior and assigns scores that impact access to services. The system uses advanced technologies like facial recognition, AI, and internet monitoring to control public order and limit political dissent.

China's surveillance system

Surveillance Society: Balancing Security and Privacy

Surveillance cameras can significantly enhance safety and deter criminal activity. They can help prevent theft, monitor public spaces, and provide valuable evidence in the case of crimes. In areas where safety is a concern, this can offer peace of mind to residents, businesses, and authorities. However constant surveillance can feel intrusive, especially when people are unaware of the extent of monitoring in certain spaces. There's also the risk of abuse, where surveillance data could be misused or fall into the wrong hands. If it can be used in a balanced way people should feel protected without any concern about violations of privacy.

While privacy might be less of a concern, the world could feel like it's missing out on the rapid technological revolution we’ve come to rely on, forcing us to ask: would we be able to keep up with the demands of a modern, fast-paced world?

For listening and paying attention

Thank you !