Writing For A Better Future | TED Radio Hour

Intro

In this episode of the TED Radio Hour, the focus is on writing for a better future. Host Manoush Zomorodi explores how writing can be a powerful tool for storytelling, activism, and personal growth. She speaks with author Dave Eggers about his book “The Every” and his work with nonprofit organizations that empower young writers. The episode also features discussions on the impact of technology on society, the importance of supporting teachers, and the transformative power of writing memoirs.

Main Takeaways

Exploring Dystopian Tech Control

• The Every is a satirical book by Dave Eggers that depicts a villainous tech corporation called The Every, which combines Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google.
• The protagonist, Delaney Wells, navigates a dystopian world where technology controls and changes behavior.
• Surveillance has become socially acceptable, leading to the monitoring of loved ones, employees, and even Airbnb guests.
• Dave Eggers discusses his concerns about the effects of technology on society and his focus on publishing memoirs for kids by kids.

The Facebook Whistleblower and Monopolies

• The protagonist in “The Every” aims to dismantle a giant tech company from within, similar to Frances Hogan, the Facebook whistleblower.
• Facebook has been accused of prioritizing its own profits over public interest, intentionally hiding crucial information.
• Young people are constantly bombarded with information and technology, making it challenging to find a healthy balance in daily technology use.
• The big five tech companies have monopolies and actively work to keep young people engaged with their screens.

Empowering Young Writers

• Dave Eggers’ nonprofit organization, 826 Valencia, connects kids with professional writers in their communities to develop their writing skills.
• 826 Valencia started as a tutoring center in San Francisco and has expanded to publishing books and providing college access writing programs.
• The organization’s unique themes, such as a pirate supply store and a time travel mart, have inspired similar centers worldwide.
• One-on-one attention and creating a supportive environment are key to the success of 826 Valencia.

The Importance of Writing Memoirs

• Writing memoirs can help individuals find calm, order, and make sense of difficult experiences.
• The Voice of Witness series, founded by Dave Eggers, publishes first-person accounts of current events, empowering the narrators.
• The process of working with narrators is collaborative, and telling one’s story can be transformative.
• Writing memoirs can also honor loved ones and provide a platform for complex and surprising stories.

Summary

Exploring Dystopian Tech Control

In “The Every,” Dave Eggers presents a dystopian world where technology has a pervasive influence on society. The protagonist, Delaney Wells, faces the consequences of a tech corporation’s control over people’s lives. Surveillance has become normalized, leading to the monitoring of personal relationships and everyday activities. Eggers shares his concerns about the impact of technology and highlights the importance of publishing memoirs for young readers.

The Facebook Whistleblower and Monopolies

The protagonist’s mission in “The Every” mirrors the actions of Frances Hogan, the Facebook whistleblower. Both individuals aim to expose the unethical practices of tech giants like Facebook. The book sheds light on how these companies prioritize their own profits over public interest, intentionally hiding vital information. The story also highlights the challenges young people face in navigating a world saturated with technology and the monopolistic control exerted by major tech companies.

Empowering Young Writers

Dave Eggers’ nonprofit organization, 826 Valencia, has been instrumental in empowering young writers. By connecting kids with professional writers in their communities, 826 Valencia helps develop their writing skills and fosters creativity. The organization’s unique themes, such as pirate supply stores and time travel marts, have inspired similar centers worldwide. The emphasis on one-on-one attention and creating a supportive environment has contributed to the success of 826 Valencia.

The Importance of Writing Memoirs

Writing memoirs can be a transformative process, providing individuals with a sense of calm, order, and understanding. Dave Eggers’ Voice of Witness series amplifies the voices of narrators who share their first-person accounts of current events. The act of telling one’s story can be empowering and honor loved ones. Writing memoirs also allows for the exploration of complex and surprising stories. It serves as a platform for marginalized voices and encourages empathy and understanding.

Conclusion

The episode “Writing For A Better Future” explores the power of writing in shaping our world. Through the lens of Dave Eggers’ book “The Every” and his work with nonprofit organizations like 826 Valencia and Voice of Witness, it becomes evident that writing can be a tool for activism, personal growth, and amplifying marginalized voices. It also raises important questions about the influence of technology, the need for ethical practices in the tech industry, and the support required for teachers and young writers. Ultimately, writing has the potential to create positive change and foster a more empathetic and enlightened society.