Slogans: The end of sympathy

by Mark Burgess

A book about what it means to be in control.
It is a few years from now ... and society's addiction to smart mobile communications is beginning to drive a wedge between communities all over the world. Citizens no longer talk to their neighbours, they connect electronically through buddy-lists and address-books, using virtual reality meeting places. Society is dissociating into little more than special interest groups and rival gangs, where institutional government and the rule of law have little meaning.Meanwhile, companies large and small analyse `big data' to track the trajectory of the world, planning out ways to manipulate it to their advantage, and religious organizations imitate the mob to win back their own control. ``Dumbing down'' and dropping out---the spoilt and the greedy watch the tumble-drier of commerce process an existence that is going nowhere. So much for the knowledge-based economy.In this world of overt information, a new arms race for control is gathering pace. In a desperate effort to cement new public loyalties and consolidate fragmenting government power, American media giant PhoxHollywood is tasked to create a carefully crafted computer game to train citizens into compliance. It is free for everyone on the planet and it entices people to meet and interact as never before. But the game's moral agenda attracts unwanted attention from the press who claim that it is merely a front for Whitehouse propaganda.When a religious group moves to secure its own share of the power, an unlikely constellation of citizens, from around the globe, interested only in their own futures, unwittingly find themselves pulled together by circumstances, and playing a game of their own... Originally written as near-future science fiction between 2003-2005, in the tradition of John Brunner and Ayn Rand, this novel looks increasingly plausible today as a commentary on the effect of social media and technological propaganda forces in modern society.

535 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2005

About the author

Mark Burgess is a writer with many interests. His books span from fiction to hard science, and he actively writes philosphically in his blog about all aspects of modern information culture. He is an active public speaker on the international conference circuit, and is engaged in promoting science to a wide audience.

He is the Founder and original author of CFEngine. He was senior lecturer and then appointed full professor of Network and System Administration at Oslo University College from 1994-2011. He was the first professor with this title, and is largely responsible for defining the field. Mark Burgess obtained a PhD in Theoretical Physics at Newcastle University, for which he received the Runcorn Prize.

Reviews

[Rebecca Bruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book through a book club recommendation, and I’m honestly surprised more people are not talking about it. Slogans: The End of Sympathy feels incredibly relevant even though it was written years ago. Mark Burgess paints a chilling picture of a society consumed by technology, social division, and manipulation through media. The ideas about virtual communities replacing real human interaction hit especially hard today. It’s intelligent, thought-provoking, and the kind of book that stays in your mind long after finishing it.

[Harrison Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this novel from a book club discussion and decided to give it a chance. What stood out most was how accurately the author predicted many aspects of modern society—social media addiction, political influence through technology, and the collapse of meaningful human connection. The storytelling is layered with philosophy, politics, and science fiction elements that blend together perfectly. If you enjoy dystopian fiction with depth and social commentary, this is definitely worth reading.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came across this book through a book club and ended up completely hooked. The world-building is impressive, but what makes the story powerful is how believable it feels. The idea of corporations and governments using technology to shape behavior no longer feels like fiction. Mark Burgess writes with intelligence and vision, creating a story that is both entertaining and unsettling. Fans of classic dystopian authors will appreciate this book a lot.

[Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book through a book club recommendation and it turned out to be one of the most thought-provoking reads I’ve had in a long time. The themes of control, propaganda, and social fragmentation are explored in such a smart and realistic way. Even though the book was written in the early 2000s, it reads like a warning about today’s world. The mix of science fiction and social commentary makes it a compelling and memorable experience.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hearing about this book in a book club, I decided to read it and was genuinely impressed. Slogans: The End of Sympathy is not just science fiction, it’s a deep exploration of technology, human behavior, and the struggle for influence in society. The author’s vision feels eerily accurate in the age of social media and big data. It’s bold, insightful, and far ahead of its time. A hidden gem for readers who enjoy intelligent dystopian fiction.

[Jeffrey Kershaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book through a book club and didn’t expect it to feel so relevant today. The way Mark Burgess explores social media influence, corporate manipulation, and the breakdown of real human connection is both fascinating and unsettling. The story feels intelligent without being overwhelming, and it really makes you think about the direction society is heading. A very underrated dystopian novel.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Slogans: The End of Sympathy through a book club discussion and it turned out to be one of the most unique dystopian novels I’ve read in years. The social commentary is strong without feeling forced, and the futuristic setting feels realistic rather than exaggerated. Mark Burgess clearly had remarkable insight into where technology and society were heading. Highly recommended for fans of intelligent speculative fiction.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book through Pamela in a book club, and I’m really glad I did. Slogans: The End of Sympathy is a strikingly intelligent dystopian novel that feels incredibly relevant to today’s digital world. The way it explores social media dependence, corporate control, and the fragmentation of society is both sharp and unsettling. It’s the kind of book that makes you reflect deeply on how technology shapes human behavior.

[Kershaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book through Pamela via a book club recommendation, and it exceeded my expectations. The author builds a near-future world that feels disturbingly realistic, where communication, politics, and even personal identity are influenced by technology and media systems. It’s thought-provoking, well-crafted, and full of powerful social commentary. A must-read for anyone interested in modern dystopian fiction.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book through a book club recommendation and was honestly impressed by how ahead of its time it feels. The themes surrounding technology, media influence, and social division are incredibly relevant today. Mark Burgess creates a believable future that feels uncomfortably close to reality. A thoughtful and intelligent read that sparks serious discussion.

[Elizabeth Hang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovered this book through a book club and ended up finishing it much faster than expected. The story is layered with political tension, social commentary, and futuristic concepts that make you stop and think. What makes it stand out is how realistic the world feels. It’s rare to find science fiction that feels both entertaining and intellectually engaging at the same time.

[Charles Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this novel through a book club and quickly realized it deserves much more recognition. The author tackles issues like digital addiction, propaganda, and the erosion of community in a very compelling way. Even though it was written years ago, many parts feel like a reflection of modern society. A smart and visionary dystopian novel.

[Allison John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came across this book from a book club and was fascinated by its ideas. The concept of governments and corporations using technology to shape public behavior feels incredibly relevant in today’s world. The writing is sharp, the characters are interesting, and the overall message is powerful. It’s the kind of book that leaves you thinking long after you finish reading.