We dig into fictional economies, currency systems, and the role of finance in sci-fi, fantasy, and how film and novels handle world-building around financial systems.
What a blast to be on the show! I listened to the conversation this morning and was pleased to discover I don't sound like I'm totally out of my depth -- just mostly.
Ok so I loved this episode so much! Definitely in the top 5 RHR episodes. The only part I had a problem with was being called out for being on the couch! This episode is so timely, as we are dealing with the oligarchy. Fascinating how money discussions can be thought of as boring, yet money makes the world go round. I may have to figure out how to call in this Sunday to be on the mini episode!
At the intersection of money and biology, let's not forget H. G. Wells original novel "The Time Machine." Wells' dystopian vision of the future portrays the Eloi, childlike descendants of the wealthy, living in idyllic indolence, while the Morlocks, misshapen descendants of the working class, live a grimy existence underground... all the while consuming unsuspecting Eloi for food. The ultimate barter system? Eat the rich?
A classic! And eating the rich never goes out of style, though frankly we should probably do it more often.
One piece of fiction I wished I'd talked about was Bioshock. The world-building in that game is fantastic, and the story explores techno-libertarianism and wholly unfettered capitalism in a really smart, really satisfying way. The game's remastered on most platforms and worth playing for the writing alone.
Looking forward to your book! Incidentally, Star Trek's "The Cloud Minders" is a retelling of Wells' parable about the Eloi and Morlocks, but with a happy ending wherein Captain Kirk brings the disparate classes together to live in peace and harmony. (If Gene Roddenberry dared to rewrite Harlan Ellison, why not Wells?)
I should have a look at the OG Star Trek. I think I'd like it more as an adult. One of the reasons I never got into it is the movies were released when I was a little kid and Star Trek just seemed way lamer than Star Wars. A lightsaber is tough to top in an eight-year-old's mind.
Time Machine is such a classic (it came up in the dystopian episode earlier this season)—it’s been a while since I read it—may have to put it into the rotation.
My dad was a huge Star Trek fan, so that’s what I watched all the time—I got more into Star Wars when I went off to college—it was a form of nerdy rebellion😂😂😂
Maybe I can compare notes with your dad some day. My own dad read s-f before it was cool, and he was a blue collar guy so he didn't talk about it. But there were clues--he could guess Twilight Zone twist endings!
What a blast to be on the show! I listened to the conversation this morning and was pleased to discover I don't sound like I'm totally out of my depth -- just mostly.
Ok so I loved this episode so much! Definitely in the top 5 RHR episodes. The only part I had a problem with was being called out for being on the couch! This episode is so timely, as we are dealing with the oligarchy. Fascinating how money discussions can be thought of as boring, yet money makes the world go round. I may have to figure out how to call in this Sunday to be on the mini episode!
Now you have to come back as a guest. 😊
Book it!
Wow -- high praise! I'm thrilled to hear this feedback.
If you're Team Proletariat in the battle against oligarchy and kleptocracy, then you just might enjoy LEVERAGE.
Looking forward to the mini!
Can’t wait to read Leverage!
At the intersection of money and biology, let's not forget H. G. Wells original novel "The Time Machine." Wells' dystopian vision of the future portrays the Eloi, childlike descendants of the wealthy, living in idyllic indolence, while the Morlocks, misshapen descendants of the working class, live a grimy existence underground... all the while consuming unsuspecting Eloi for food. The ultimate barter system? Eat the rich?
A classic! And eating the rich never goes out of style, though frankly we should probably do it more often.
One piece of fiction I wished I'd talked about was Bioshock. The world-building in that game is fantastic, and the story explores techno-libertarianism and wholly unfettered capitalism in a really smart, really satisfying way. The game's remastered on most platforms and worth playing for the writing alone.
Thanks for listening!
Looking forward to your book! Incidentally, Star Trek's "The Cloud Minders" is a retelling of Wells' parable about the Eloi and Morlocks, but with a happy ending wherein Captain Kirk brings the disparate classes together to live in peace and harmony. (If Gene Roddenberry dared to rewrite Harlan Ellison, why not Wells?)
I should have a look at the OG Star Trek. I think I'd like it more as an adult. One of the reasons I never got into it is the movies were released when I was a little kid and Star Trek just seemed way lamer than Star Wars. A lightsaber is tough to top in an eight-year-old's mind.
I hope you enjoy the book!
Bart, thanks for listening!
Time Machine is such a classic (it came up in the dystopian episode earlier this season)—it’s been a while since I read it—may have to put it into the rotation.
My dad was a huge Star Trek fan, so that’s what I watched all the time—I got more into Star Wars when I went off to college—it was a form of nerdy rebellion😂😂😂
Maybe I can compare notes with your dad some day. My own dad read s-f before it was cool, and he was a blue collar guy so he didn't talk about it. But there were clues--he could guess Twilight Zone twist endings!