Set in a dystopian 26th century, the narrative explores a society devoid of individual freedom, where people are identified by numbers rather than names. D-503, a mathematician, documents his experiences while supervising the construction of a spaceship for a strictly governed urban city-state. His life takes a turn when he encounters I-330, a rebellious figure who awakens his suppressed individuality and emotions. This encounter challenges the rigid logic of his world, leading him to confront the essence of his humanity and the dangers of conformity.
Set in a future totalitarian society, the story follows D-503, a mathematician who begins to awaken to his individual soul amidst a passionless existence dictated by the 'Benefactor.' This groundbreaking dystopian novel, which inspired Orwell's 1984, critiques oppressive regimes and explores themes of individuality and freedom. Originally banned by Soviet censors, it remains a significant work in speculative fiction. The modern edition includes an introductory chapter by H. G. Wells, enhancing its historical context.
In the One State of the great Benefactor, there are no individuals, only numbers. Life is an ongoing process of mathematical precision, a perfectly balanced equation. Primitive passions and instincts have been subdued. Even nature has been defeated, banished behind the Green Wall. But one frontier remains: outer space. Now, with the creation of the spaceship Integral, that frontier -- and whatever alien species are to be found there -- will be subjugated to the beneficent yoke of reason. One number, D-503, chief architect of the Integral, decides to record his thoughts in the final days before the launch for the benefit of less advanced societies. But a chance meeting with the beautiful 1-330 results in an unexpected discovery that threatens everything D-503 believes about himself and the One State. The discovery -- or rediscovery -- of inner space ... and that disease the ancients called the soul. A page-turning SF adventure, a masterpiece of wit and black humor that accurately predicted the horrors of Stalinism, We is the classic dystopian novel. Its message of hope and warning is as timely [today] ... as it was at the beginning [of the twentieth century].
Before Brave New World... Before 1984...There was... WE In the One State of the great Benefactor, there are no individuals, only numbers. Life is an ongoing process of mathematical precision, a perfectly balanced equation. Primitive passions and instincts have been subdued. Even nature has been defeated, banished behind the Green Wall. But one frontier remains: outer space. Now, with the creation of the spaceship Integral, that frontier -- and whatever alien species are to be found there -- will be subjugated to the beneficent yoke of reason. One number, D-503, chief architect of the Integral, decides to record his thoughts in the final days before the launch for the benefit of less advanced societies. But a chance meeting with the beautiful 1-330 results in an unexpected discovery that threatens everything D-503 believes about himself and the One State. The discovery -- or rediscovery -- of inner space...and that disease the ancients called the soul. A page-turning SF adventure, a masterpiece of wit and black humor that accurately predicted the horrors of Stalinism, We is the classic dystopian novel. Its message of hope and warning is as timely at the end of the twentieth century as it was at the beginning.
This collection features a series of short stories by the acclaimed author of We, showcasing previously untranslated works alongside familiar narratives. Each story offers a glimpse into the author's distinctive style and thematic explorations, enriching the reader's understanding of his literary contributions. The collection is a valuable addition for fans and newcomers alike, highlighting the depth and creativity of the author's storytelling.
"Wir" spielt im "Nummern-Einheitsstaat", einem durch eine hohe Mauer geschützten futoristischen Polizeistaat mit Menschen, die als Nummern bezeichnet werden. Heerscharen von "Beschützern" wachen über das "Wohl" der Nummern, deren Leben bis zum kleinsten Handgriff reglementiert ist. Der Einzelne zählt nicht, was zählt, ist das Kollektiv. Individualität wird nicht geduldet. Wer sich nicht regelkonform verhält, wird öffentlich hingerichtet. Wie die anderen lebt D-503, der Konstrukteur der Rakete Integral, aus Überzeugung regelkonform. Bei einem Spaziergang lernt er eine Frau namens I-330 kennen, deren Verhalten nach den offiziellen Regeln höchst illegal ist. Nach und nach enthüllt ihm I-330, dass sie mit den MEPHI zu tun hat, einer Organisation, die den Umsturz des Systems anstrebt. Das stürzt D-503 in einen heftigen inneren Konflikt. "Wir" (1921) beeinflusste das Aufkommen der Dystopie als literarisches Genre. George Orwell behauptete, dass Aldous Huxleys "Schöne neue Welt" von 1931 zum Teil von "Wir" abgeleitet sein müsse. Ayn Rands "Anthem" (1938) weist ebenfalls viele signifikante Ähnlichkeiten mit "Wir" auf. Robert Russell kommt zu dem Schluss, dass "1984 so viele Züge mit Wir gemeinsam hat, dass es keinen Zweifel an der generellen Verwandtschaft mit Wir geben kann". Diese neue Übersetzung von "Wir" ist ein Werk, das man gelesen haben muss.
In ferner, ferner Zukunft, in einem perfekten Staat ... ist buchstäblich alles gläsern: die Häuser, die Möbel, das Leben der Menschen. Hier leitet der Mathematiker D-503 den Bau des Sternenschiffs ‚Integral’, das vor dem Jungfernflug steht. D-503 ist der perfekte Bürger eines perfekten Staates – bis er sich in die Rebellin I-330 verliebt. Alles wird anders, die perfekte Welt bekommt Risse und eine Revolution bricht aus ... Samjatins brillante Zukunfts-vision von 1920 – Vorbild für Orwells ‚1984’ und Huxleys ‚Schöne neue Welt’.
