A Call for Change

           In The Ministry for the Future, Kim Stanley Robinson discusses capitalism and overconsumption through a narrative that captures the struggles of a governing body to make positive changes that halt further destruction of the environment. Robinson aims to draw attention to society’s complex ties to overconsumption and capitalism and challenges his readers to believe in history and their ability to positively impact the future.

The instantaneous society that the world has succumbed to is one that has led to the success of many, but also ran the Earth into the ground. At the start of the novel, Robinson states that “it would be easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism” and then goes on to say that this classic quote has “taken on teeth” (Robinson 25), referring to society’s deep connections to the workings of capitalism. Additionally, Robinson acknowledges wealth gaps through the statement that “enough should be a human right, a floor beneath no one can fall” (58). He believes that the greed of some has led to the denial of basic human rights for others, and wants his readers to view this as unacceptable.

In The Ministry for the Future, Kim Stanley Robinson calls for change. He has a strong desire for those that read his novel to “slow their lives down” in an effort to save an environmentally exhausted planet. Robinson expresses his frustrations through his statement that “everyone knows [about climate change], but nobody acts” (20). While many policy makers fear that rapid change will cause a descent into chaos, Robinson believes this fear is detrimental to positive change, and that rapid change is the only solution. He comments on wealth inequality in our world today, while stating that “the dead hand of the past clutches us by way of living people who are too frightened to accept change” (Robinson). In other words, Robinson believes that immediate change is necessary for environmental progress.

In conclusion, Kim Stanley Robinson utilizes The Ministry for the Future as an outlet to advocate for change with the current structure of the world, and to urge ordinary readers and policy makers alike to acknowledge the systems of capitalism and overconsumption that have contributed to the demise of our planet and gaps in wealth inequality. The Ministry for the Future is an urgent call to acknowledge one’s privilege, advocate for the improved living conditions of those who are less fortunate, and enhance the environmental conditions of the Earth.