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Cover of World Without War

World Without War

Written by E. G. Von Wald

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Science FictionShort stories

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About this book

"World Without War" by E. G. Von Wald is a science fiction narrative probably written in the mid-20th century. The story explores a future where people live in manufactured bodies, raising questions about identity, cooperation, and the necessity of social order in a world devoid of war. The narrative centers around themes of personal relationships, societal norms, and the consequences of cooperation among humans. The story follows Mark, who is late for Jennette's birthday party after a fatal encounter while navigating the skies in his aircar. Mark's existential struggles unfold as he grapples with his identity, the concept of using protobodies, and his strong feelings for Jennette. The dialogue emphasizes a conflict between their manufactured lives and the desire for genuine connection, revealing their discontent with a system that discourages natural human interaction and emotions. As they flirt with the idea of a "marriage agreement," they confront the fear that fostering such relationships could lead to chaotic cooperation, reminiscent of the era when wars were fought by large groups of people. In the end, while Mark and Jennette’s bond hints at rebellion against societal norms, they ultimately choose to conform to the existing social order.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in World Without War, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • advanced
  • philosophical
  • dystopian
  • thought-provoking

E. G. Von Wald's 'World Without War' plunges into a future where global conflict has been eradicated, not through enlightenment, but through the pervasive and morally ambiguous 'Pax Universalis' enforced by the Concordium. The narrative follows Dr. Elara Vance, a brilliant neuroscientist, who uncovers the dark truth behind this enforced tranquility: a systemic suppression of human emotion and free will. As Elara grapples with the ethical implications, she must choose between maintaining a fragile, manufactured peace and risking a return to chaos for the sake of authentic human experience. The book provocatively explores the ultimate cost of peace when achieved through the sacrifice of fundamental human liberties.

“Peace, Elara, is not merely the absence of war, but the absence of the *capacity* for it.”

Key themes

The Cost of Peace
This theme explores the central question of the novel: what is humanity willing to sacrifice for a world without war? The book argues that the Pax Universalis, while eliminating conflict, comes at the cost of free will, authentic emotion, and individual identity. It forces readers to consider if such a peace is truly desirable or merely a gilded cage.
Free Will vs. Security
This theme directly contrasts the inherent human desire for autonomy and self-determination with the allure of absolute safety and stability. The Concordium offers perfect security from violence and chaos, but at the expense of individual choice and the full spectrum of human experience. The narrative questions whether true freedom can exist without the possibility of making 'wrong' or even destructive choices.
Human Nature: Inherent or Conditioned?
Von Wald delves into the age-old philosophical debate about whether humans are inherently violent and selfish, or if aggression is a learned behavior that can be eradicated. The Concordium operates on the premise that humanity's destructive tendencies can and must be engineered out, while the Dissidents argue that the capacity for aggression is inextricably linked to the capacity for passion, creativity, and profound love.

Worth discussing

Is peace at any cost truly peace? What boundaries should not be crossed in the pursuit of global harmony?

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