All walls are twofold and have two faces. What is inside and what is outside depends on which side of the wall you are looking from.

Walls can serve as both a boundary and a protection. They can keep things in or keep things out. Sometimes, they create a sense of security and privacy, while at other times, they can seem like a barrier that prevents us from seeing or experiencing something.

Moreover, the perception of a wall can vary from person to person. One person may see a wall as an insurmountable obstacle, while another may view it as a challenge to be overcome. It all depends on our perspective and our attitude towards it.

In conclusion, walls are a complex and multi-faceted concept. They can have both positive and negative connotations, and their meaning and significance can change depending on the context and the individual.

3/5 Stars

If there's one thing I'm clear about, it's that this book is not easy to read.

The first half of the book talks about physics, such as the theory of relativity, simultaneity, and theories of time.

The other half presents us with an equalitarian anarchist society, without laws, power structures, or property - Anarres. This planet is part of a binary planetary system with Urras, which, along with Hain and Earth, are planets inhabited by human forms of life. In Urras, power systems similar to those in our current society coexist: capitalism, communism, totalitarian systems. There are poor, rich, social classes, wars, revolutions, and property. One of the revolutions that took place in Urras over 150 years ago defended a radically different political and social system: anarchism. The revolution did not succeed, and several hundred thousand people exiled themselves to the neighboring planet, Anarres, inhospitable and uninhabited, to attempt to develop their model of coexistence there.

For over 150 years, the exiles have survived on Anarres, colonized the planet, almost completely devoid of life forms, and have managed to develop their social system, completely isolated from Urras and the rest of the known worlds.

But even the most isolated societies need, over time, to have contact with their counterparts in other countries and cultures. On Anarres, an exceptional physicist, Shevek, handles incredibly advanced theoretical concepts that can change the physical conception of time and make real-time communication between different worlds, the ansible, a reality. To finish polishing his theory, he needs to travel to Urras and access texts and knowledge that do not exist on Anarres... and the isolation is broken after almost 180 years.

We move from Shevek's life on Anarres and the life evolution that led to his unexpected journey in search of knowledge, we get to know the anarcho-syndicalist way of life of this society, its advantages and disadvantages, to the adventures and misadventures of the traveler in Urras, where some want him to extract his physical theories and others want to turn him into the leader of a new revolution.

In the end, with this author, you go from considering what you're reading as an unsmokable pipe to admiring the incredible imaginative capacity and the knowledge that gushes out in each of her books. In this one, she gives us a lesson in political theory, which I suppose would not be without strong criticism, given her nationality and the time in which it was written (1974), in the middle of the Cold War with the communist bloc (it should be noted that this is about anarchism, not communism).

In any case, although I don't enjoy these books like a pig in a mud puddle, given how original they are and the various types of theories they present, I think I won't stop until I read them all.

There comes a point where you no longer know if you're enjoying, suffering, or not understanding a damn thing, but you want to keep reading, and that's what counts.

And you wonder? Would you like to live in Anarres? ........................

It is amazing how Le Guin acrobatically balances detachedly between the two economic systems/political systems... Communism and capitalism.

The final verdict belongs to the reader...

Although every two years that I read it, the feeling it has left, I think, will follow me forever...

All political systems are condemned to fail.... However, the human being will remain!

PS: The translation of the English title of the book into Greek is a bit inaccurate... Sebek is probably the persecuted one of the two worlds!

This book by Le Guin offers a unique perspective on the complex relationship between different economic and political systems. Her exploration of how these systems interact and the impact they have on individuals is both thought-provoking and engaging. The story takes the reader on a journey through different worlds and ideologies, challenging them to consider their own beliefs and values. Despite the flaws and failures of political systems, the book reminds us that the human spirit and the ability to adapt and persevere will always prevail. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the deeper themes of politics, society, and human nature.

3.0 Stars
I truly and desperately want to love Le Guin. Her reputation in the literary world is well-known and respected. However, this particular novel did not manage to make that happen for me. I find myself really struggling with her sparse writing style. It's not that I don't understand it, but it just doesn't resonate with me on a deep level. I can see the potential and the interesting premise that she has set up in this novel. It has the makings of a great story. But unfortunately, when it comes to the execution, I just didn't love it. There were parts that felt rushed or underdeveloped. The characters didn't fully come to life for me. I wanted more depth and more exploration. Maybe it's just me and my personal preferences, but I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. I will still give Le Guin another chance in the future, as I believe she has a lot to offer. But for now, this novel just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

An interesting commentary on anarcho-socialism vs capitalism was presented, yet the writing and characterization failed to engage me. I did appreciate Ursula K. Le Guin's exploration of the pitfalls of capitalism, such as the exploitation and mistreatment of laborers and its subjugation of women. She delved into the ideas of ownership and property, as well as what it means to exist in a community beyond individual advancement. At the same time, she didn't depict anarcho-socialism as a flawless utopia, offering a more nuanced view of these different ways of life and interaction.

However, I simply didn't feel a connection with the protagonist or the writing style. Most of the book seemed dull to me, more like a vehicle for Le Guin to convey her political and social messages rather than to make us empathize with the main character. Her points were indeed excellent! But I related to The Dispossessed more on an intellectual level than an emotional one.

Also, I'm a bit sad as of 2.10.2021 because I can't see any of my friends' reviews on books. I wish I could compare notes with all of you as I usually do, but unfortunately, I can't at the moment. Alas. Hopefully, this glitch will be fixed as soon as possible.

Two planets. Two alien worlds. One world is Anarres and its political system is anarchy. The other world is Urras and its political system is capitalism. One planet is a satellite of the other. One, the moon of the other. The inhabitants of Anarres look at Urras and say: "Look, the moon." And the people of Urras do the same.

However, these two worlds, despite their proximity, do not interact. Since the colonization of Anarres, which occurred one hundred and seventy years ago when the Urrasti fled to this barren and desolate planet to live a better tomorrow, there has never been any mixing or contact between the people of the two planets. The free world of Anarres is nothing more than a colony for Urras that supplies it with minerals and raw materials. In exchange, Urras sends fuel and petroleum products, machinery and electronic devices to Anarres. And that's where any trade between these two diametrically opposed worlds ends.

Anarres

On Anarres, there is no private property. There are no classes, titles of honor, rules of etiquette, typical manners. There are no laws, money, and central authority. People work because they like to do things. It is a society without government, police, and economic exploitation, where the fundamental ethical principle is mutual aid. There is no official religion on Anarres, nor nuclear families. And of course, there is no question of states, nations, flags, and wars.

\\n  \\n    "It's not so beautiful. It's an ugly world. Not like this one here. On Anarres, everything is dust and dry hills. Everything is poor, everything is dry. And the people are not beautiful. They have thick hands and thick feet... But they don't have big bellies. They laugh a lot and take baths together... The cities are small and depressing. There are no palaces. Life is monotonous and work is hard. You can't always get what you want or what you need because there are never enough. Here on Urras, everything is enough. Enough air, enough rain, enough grass, oceans, food, music, buildings, factories, machines, books, clothes, history. You are rich, you possess. We are poor, we lack a lot. You have, we don't have. Everything is beautiful here. Except for the faces. On Anarres, nothing is beautiful, nothing except the faces. The other faces, the men and the women. That's the only thing we have, one has the other. Here you look at the ornaments, up there we look at the eyes. And through the eyes we see the greatness, the greatness of the human spirit. Because our men and women are free... they possess nothing, they are free. And you who possess, you are also possessed. You are all imprisoned. Each of you is alone, solitary, with your pile of things that you possess. You live in prison, you die in prison. Only this I can see in your eyes... the wall, the wall!"\\n  \\n

Urras

Urras is more or less our world. Private property is the rule, and the laws are those that determine the social behavior of individuals. Instead of mutual aid and brotherhood, the 'justice' of force, cannibalism, and mutual destruction prevail most of the time. Borders, states, religions, flags, wars, all of the above exist/happen on Urras. Just as poverty exists. And the subjugation of those who raise their heads in the established order, those who look at the moon (Anarres) and dream, those who believe in a more just world.

The Anarchist of the Two Worlds

The first person to travel from Anarres to Urras, one hundred and seventy years after the colonization of Anarres, is Shevek, a distinguished scientist, famous for the theory of simultaneity. He, who does not belong to either of the two worlds, given that he is too different for Anarres and too 'human' for Urras, hopes to unite them, to tear down the walls that have been erected between them, so that Urras and Anarres can communicate freely. He hopes to defend the idea of brotherhood, to represent mutual aid between the two worlds, to become the very cornerstone in the construction, not of another such wall, but of a relationship of mutual understanding and trust.

"The Dispossessed" is one of the most beautiful political novels of the past century (axiom). And let the E.F. (in my opinion) be relegated to a secondary role in this case. Removing the paraphernalia (planetary colonization, etc.), you are faced with the essence of things: the constant struggle (which sometimes becomes a constant war) of man for a more human world, a more just society.

"Освободеният" is a very beautiful and philosophical novel! Ursula Le Guin has described an interesting alternative version of the time of the Student War, telling a touching and fantastic plot about the twin planets Anarres and Urras. The in-depth reflections and humanistic messages of the author are masterfully intertwined in the story of Shevek's teachings, definitely providing readers with an emotional experience and valuable themes for reflection.

Shevek returned and sat on the marble bench by the fireplace, which already felt like his territory. Yes, he wanted his place and needed peace, but he felt more strongly the need that had led him through the void to another world, the need for communication. He wanted to break down the walls.

This novel takes us on a journey through different planets and cultures, making us think about the nature of society, freedom, and human relationships. The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end.

Overall, "Освободеният" is a must-read for anyone interested in science fiction, philosophy, or just a good story. It offers a unique perspective on the world and challenges us to think about our own values and beliefs.

A true social experiment in the form of a political science fiction novel: There are two planets, Urras, predominantly capitalist, and Anarres, a refuge for a revolutionary and anarchist group.

Both societies have developed for years almost in isolation, without communication and with mutual and bitter suspicions. The neighboring planets do not speak to each other. The contempt is reciprocal and latent. And this is where Shevek, a physicist from Anarres, aspires to travel to Urras to forget the old conflicts and restart communication in the name of Science and the common good.

The truth is that the good Shevek also travels to Urras to meet his fellow physicists and nourish himself with knowledge that is not well developed on his own planet, a purpose that from the perspective of his community could be considered selfish. Shevek is what we could call a good anarchist, but contradictorily individualistic in a society that does not even use possessive pronouns when speaking.

A profound, shocking, reflective novel with an amazing social, educational, and psychological projection. An intelligent and (almost) objective debate on the Socio-Political Systems that we have developed in elaborate theoretical frameworks. And the (disappointing?) living model. Theory and practice. Successes and incoherencies. A great read.

A mesmerizing depiction of social incongruity unfolds before our eyes.

It presents a vivid contrast between the haves and the have-nots, highlighting the disparities that exist within society.

The rich, adorned in their luxurious finery, move about with an air of entitlement, while the poor struggle to make ends meet, living in squalor and despair.

This portrayal forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth about the unequal distribution of wealth and resources.

It makes us question the fairness of a system that allows some to thrive while others suffer.

As we observe this social incongruity, we are left with a sense of unease and a desire for change.

We realize that something must be done to bridge the gap between the different strata of society and create a more just and equitable world.

Only then can we hope to achieve true harmony and prosperity for all.

Left me more intellectually impressed than emotionally engaged. A novel with many fascinating themes, and societal and scientific revolutions mirroring each other, but with a rather bloodless main character.

It’s not the answer we are after, but only how to ask the question.

But the longer work of Ursula K. Le Guin often captures me less than her shorter works. The Dispossessed is a thought-provoking work, with reflections on capitalism, collective, discovery, companionship and many more themes. However, my heart was never captivated nor was I much compelled to read on.

We have an inhabited moon and earth, with an egalitarian versus a capitalist society. Cultural shock is a real danger when one coming from collective dormitories, syndicates, community service, federations and decentralisation moves between worlds. The proliferation of ideas is slow due to the physical and cultural distance, but it is one of the key themes of the novel.

In one of the world’s women are being oppressed. Anachronistically control over mining resources is still a thing, as is physical mail delivery. Human nature also didn’t change much. We have people not being able to handle alcohol and a rape attempt is being described. Also, a kind of Stanford prison experiment, reflected in a society without laws, the solidarity, comes back.

It is quite a grim book in general. One comment of a character is “There is always someone who is willing to make lists” about food distribution in a famine, which gives an indication that the author doesn’t think the future will be an utopia.

Scientific revolution and societal revolution mirror each other seemingly, if imperfectly. Societal, communal pressure as often in the work of Le Guin forms a theme as well, with this work showing some insight in the overall universe building, including the basis of the ansible and the Eukemen. We even have a Terran embassy and get some earth history, with only half a billion remaining on our planet after collapse of the ecosystems and total centralization including birth control and euthanasia.

Quotes:
“To die is to lose the self and rejoin the rest, he had kept himself and lost the rest”
“Oh you can prove anything using the analogy”
“Order is not orders”
“You can go home again so long as you realise that home is a place where you never been yet”
“It’s your duty to seek out the best”
“Power adheres in the center”
“We can’t save each other or ourselves”
“Excitement of science and talking with fellow researchers”
“Entirely on your own initiative? It is the only initiative I recognize.”
“Excess is excrement”
“What defines brotherhood than not brotherhood”
“You the possessors are possessed”
“But the human being likes to be challenged, seeks freedom in adversity”
“It’s easy to share if there is enough”
“We make justice hate”
“Justice is not achieved by force. And power is not achieved by passivity.”
“You can not take what you haven’t given”
“The charity of equals”
“He was a destroyed person”
“Separation of means and ends was for her too false”
“So that you can not use the truth for your private profit but only for the common good.”

Le Guin's The Dispossessed presents a complex and thought-provoking exploration of various themes. The novel's setting, with its contrast between an egalitarian moon and a capitalist earth, offers a fertile ground for examining the implications of different social systems. The slow proliferation of ideas due to physical and cultural distance adds an interesting layer to the narrative, highlighting the challenges of communication and the spread of knowledge. The exploration of human nature, with its flaws and virtues, is also a strength of the book. However, the lack of emotional engagement with the main character may be a drawback for some readers. Overall, The Dispossessed is a significant work that offers much to思考 and discuss.

This is probably going to be an unpopular opinion.

Some of you who love this book will be disappointed in me - and truth be told, I'm disappointed too.

I have wanted to read Ursula K. Le Guin for decades now, and was excited to experience her work.

She's a big name in science fiction as well as feminist writing.

While I'm definitely not a SF reader, I went into this with high hopes that The Dispossessed would transcend genre and sweep me off my feet into a galaxy far, far away.

Sadly, it didn't.

I didn't even finish the book.

I decided to be a big girl and set it aside, after I'd spent several hours reading a good chunk of these pages.

I'm finally learning that life is short, life ain't easy, and it's a-ok to say, 'this isn't working for me, time to move on to something that will'.

I'm sure, given the book's many fans, that there is plenty here of value, but honestly, I couldn't find it.

The book is DULL, people, dull and dense, and god, in all the pages I read, practically nothing actually happened.

There's a whole lotta rambling talk though, and remembrances, and jibber-jabber.

I know. The sacrilege! Ursula K. Le Guin and jibber-jabber?

Well, I've decided not to award a star rating in order to mitigate the sacrilege, so her stellar rating isn't adversely affected by my inability to appreciate what she was doing here.

I know there's plenty of philosophy and social commentary that causes her fans to swoon, but if I'm expected to stay on her rocket ship, I need a story that I'm interested in following.

Sorry, but there was none of that here.

I kept waiting for a hook, for something to start, but instead, she left me feeling like an alien floating in outer space, something an author should never do.

I understand that different people have different tastes in literature. Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to appreciate this book.

Or maybe it's just not my cup of tea.

Either way, I'm glad I gave it a try, but I'm also relieved to be moving on to something else.

Who knows, maybe the next book I pick up will be the one that blows me away.

SF Masterworks #16: The book commences with a scientist departing from his home planet, Anarres, a non-authoritarian anarchic communist world (perhaps a counter culture?). He becomes the first individual to visit the sister planet, Urras, which is filled with vying states and a capitalist military-industrial complex. He may hold the key to temporal science and, facing significant hostility at home, he seeks a new audience. This book, mainly through alternating chapters, narrates the tale of how he arrived there and what transpired to him on Urras.

And that's merely the tip of the iceberg. Le Guin constructs a viable anarchic state on Anarres, although the harsh desert climate seems a bit of a cop-out. The world-building is extremely well thought out. In contrast, the elite ruling over and profiting from the oppressed worker masses living in sub-human conditions is not the appropriate counterpoint to Anarres. However, this story is far more than a comparison between America and a communist utopia. It's a character-driven, multi-themed masterpiece that shows 'this is how you write Science Fiction well.'

“You can’t crush ideas by suppressing them. You can only crush them by ignoring them. By refusing to think, refusing to change.”
― Ursula K. Le Guin, The Dispossessed
The pacing, the tone, the character development... Le Guin is truly a masterful writer. So many excellent philosophical conversations are presented in a natural way, not as disguised essays. The protagonist, Shevek the scientist, is exquisitely crafted and believable. We follow his life from infancy to leaving the planet and also read about his time on Urras. I might consider it a bit of a letdown, but the pseudo science, although convincing, didn't really excite me. However, I understand its place in this reality. I could have done with much less of it. Overall, I read the book in fits and starts because whenever I put it down, I wasn't in a hurry to return to Shevek's worlds, but I did enjoy them when I did. 7.5 out of 12, but I will definitely be reading more of Le Guin's works.

“You cannot take what you have not given, and you must give yourself. You cannot buy the Revolution. You cannot make the Revolution. You can only be the Revolution. It is in your spirit, or it is nowhere.”
― Ursula K. Le Guin, The Dispossessed