Demian (Hermann Hesse)

Hermann Hesse

Demian

Excellent read about a boy growing up feeling at odds with the world and meeting like minded people one in particular who seems to have supernatural powers. No, not kryptonite! On the one hand it seems to be (I would not presume to know what such a great writer was thinking when he wrote his novels) a standard story about pre pubescent coming of age through teenage rebellion and on into a more considered and thoughtful early manhood. But there is that typically Hesse spirituality threaded through the story which suggests that we are part of a wider (or narrower in this case?) (other- / higher-) worldly forces and associated symbolisms. And the search for meaning in life given life's contradictions - and these light and dark, yin and yang, body and mind, good and evil are explored throughout. Not to give too much away but as many of us who feel out of kilter and keep to our own realise after maturing a bit that humanity runs through all of us. The ending is obviously symbolic of passing into another stage of life. Have I really not ready any Hesse for 6 years? Must reread although I've just given the 3 novels on my book shelf to Bruce to borrow...

The People Vs Tech (Jamie Bartlett)

Jamie Bartlett

The People Vs Tech: How the Internet is Killing Democracy (and how We Save It)

Excellent analysis of how technology is pushing us towards a polarised society influenced by big business, politicians and extremist groups through our use of social media and willingness to accept suspect news channels (not necessarily posing as such) that have been fine tuned through AI and big data to send direct micro messaging to each of us individually to hit our sweet spot whether it's to buy, vote or rage against other social, political, ethnic and religious groups. There are areas which I'm not completely agreed with (which is one of the points of the book) such as a blind assumption that democracy is "good". Also not sure about linking Corbyn with Trump as on the extremes - there are extremes of people just out for themselves at the expense of everyone else and there are those who are at least trying to further society towards a more equal basis which seems extreme (if you read the right wing press) but is not in absolute terms. Not saying Corbyn is perfect but who would you want in power if you weren't from the privileged or don't have strength in any of it's manifestations. Tribalism is not the same as political or economic views capitalism. Well worth reading...