In his very popular 1888 book, Looking Backward, Edward Bellamy tells the tale of a young 19th century American who awakes in the year 2000 to find his nation transformed into a socialist utopia. The book caused a sensation when published and even led to the establishment of over 160 “Bellamy clubs” dedicated to realizing the utopian future described in the book.
This article from the BBC tells the tale of a man who has had a real life “looking backward” experience, although quite different from that imagined by Mr. Bellamy. Polish railroad worker Jan Grzebski lapsed into a coma after being hit by a train in 1988. His last memories are of a communist country where the only things in the shops were tea and vinegar, where meat was scarce and long lines formed for rationed gasoline. Mr. Grzebski was delighted to awake this year in a free market economy. “[T]here are so many goods in the shops it makes my head spin,” he told Polish television. He is particularly amazed by the fact that everyone has mobile phones and does nothing but complain. “I’ve got nothing to complain about,” says Mr. Grzebski 65. Mr. Grzebski is more than just a great story, he is a living reminder of how far we have come and a window into a nearly forgotten world without markets.
fascinating, and reminds me of the wonderful film "Good Bye Lenin" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Bye_Lenin!
Posted by: aje | 04 June 2007 at 03:34 PM