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A review by yevolem
City by Clifford D. Simak
3.0
City is a series of related stories connected by a frame story. Before each story is an in-universe commentary. I couldn't help but read each one metafictional apologia. The stories need to be read in order and I don't believe any stand alone. Together they're greater than the sum of their parts.
City (1944)
Although this was published 80 years ago it contains many relevant concerns. The story opens with a man wary of an automated lawnmower, which relates to automation and whether what's been created will eventually turn against us. There are complaints of being unable to smell burning gasoline, which reminds me of those who complain that ebooks lack smell. Hydroponics can be substituted with GMOs. New modes of transportation have drained all of the romance out of travelling. That's what it all is. Stubborn romanticized notions.
The opposition romanticizes just as much, if not more. Their central point is that cities are obsolete, however in the 80 years since then there has only been increasing urbanization. Apparently most people don't find cities to be inherently bad.
As with many stories of the time, it was believed that atomic energy would solve many of the world's problems. If anything, that should be a cautionary message that fads in technology may not achieve anywhere as much as hoped. Perhaps Simak knew this and it's meant as a satirical comedy.
Meh
Huddling Place (1944)
Man has thrown off the shackles of the cities, the huddling places of the body meant for cavemen. More insidious though is the huddling place of the mind. Credit is due for Simak writing about virtual reality internet. Though saying entertainment would be a downfall wasn't anything new. That which we created to save us would entrap us is still the cautionary tale of the day.
Meh
Census (1944)
This story has uplift, spaceship drives, appreciation for neurodivergence, and various social theories. Simak probably would've been interested in the role autism has played in technological development. Much else is fanciful at best.
Meh
Desertion (1944)
Man cannot abide being unable to conqueror. If the body fails, it must be changed. Jupiter resists mankind's attempts, so they must become like the Jovians. There's a lot of transhumanism in this what it'd mean for humanity. The transcended have their own ideas.
Meh
Paradise (1946)
There hasn't been a single killing in 125 years. The transhuman has returned, but there's resistance to his message. Man remains shackled by his humanity, but a path now exists to remove all restraints.
Meh
Hobbies (1946)
Social structure has collapsed. There's no crime, violence, economy, tradition, religion, family, government, property, or relationships.
Meh
Aesop (1947)
Another species now rules. Robots and animals are in harmony.
Meh
Epilog (1973)
Almost all are united in harmony. Unconditional pacifism reigns. A different species takes control.
Meh
Rating: 2.5/5
City (1944)
Although this was published 80 years ago it contains many relevant concerns. The story opens with a man wary of an automated lawnmower, which relates to automation and whether what's been created will eventually turn against us. There are complaints of being unable to smell burning gasoline, which reminds me of those who complain that ebooks lack smell. Hydroponics can be substituted with GMOs. New modes of transportation have drained all of the romance out of travelling. That's what it all is. Stubborn romanticized notions.
The opposition romanticizes just as much, if not more. Their central point is that cities are obsolete, however in the 80 years since then there has only been increasing urbanization. Apparently most people don't find cities to be inherently bad.
As with many stories of the time, it was believed that atomic energy would solve many of the world's problems. If anything, that should be a cautionary message that fads in technology may not achieve anywhere as much as hoped. Perhaps Simak knew this and it's meant as a satirical comedy.
Meh
Huddling Place (1944)
Man has thrown off the shackles of the cities, the huddling places of the body meant for cavemen. More insidious though is the huddling place of the mind. Credit is due for Simak writing about virtual reality internet. Though saying entertainment would be a downfall wasn't anything new. That which we created to save us would entrap us is still the cautionary tale of the day.
Meh
Census (1944)
This story has uplift, spaceship drives, appreciation for neurodivergence, and various social theories. Simak probably would've been interested in the role autism has played in technological development. Much else is fanciful at best.
Meh
Desertion (1944)
Man cannot abide being unable to conqueror. If the body fails, it must be changed. Jupiter resists mankind's attempts, so they must become like the Jovians. There's a lot of transhumanism in this what it'd mean for humanity. The transcended have their own ideas.
Meh
Paradise (1946)
There hasn't been a single killing in 125 years. The transhuman has returned, but there's resistance to his message. Man remains shackled by his humanity, but a path now exists to remove all restraints.
Meh
Hobbies (1946)
Social structure has collapsed. There's no crime, violence, economy, tradition, religion, family, government, property, or relationships.
Meh
Aesop (1947)
Another species now rules. Robots and animals are in harmony.
Meh
Epilog (1973)
Almost all are united in harmony. Unconditional pacifism reigns. A different species takes control.
Meh
Rating: 2.5/5