Gripping Novel Takes The Obsession With Equality To Its Frightening Logical Conclusion

With his novel 2075 – When Beauty Became a Crime, sociologist and historian Rainer Zitelmann has written the anti-egalitarian book of the year. Not only does he expose the harsh logic of all equality zealots, he also proposes an optimistic alternative, offering a refreshing departure from the predominantly pessimistic forecasts prevalent in political literature.

The narrative of this thriller revolves around a radical equality movement known as the “Movement for Optical Justice” (MOVE). Set in the year 2075, the movement combats the unequal distribution of beauty, particularly targeting “overly beautiful” women. These women, they argue, enjoy unfair privileges. Initially a fringe group that is hardly taken seriously, the movement rapidly gains traction and eventually comes to power. Higher taxes and all manner of disadvantages for “overly beautiful” women are merely the “moderate” beginning; ultimately, compulsory surgeries are mandated for women deemed “too” attractive.

Unlike in virtually all novels featuring bleak visions of the future, this story does not unfold in a universally dystopian world. With the advent of nuclear fusion, climate change is no longer an issue. Instead of mass impoverishment and overpopulation, poverty has been eradicated. Private space travel is a reality and resource scarcity is nonexistent; instead, rare earth elements are mined from asteroids. On Mars, private, libertarian cities thrive, guaranteeing freedom of speech and contract, a life without state coercion. Medical advancements have eradicated almost all forms of cancer, and technology allows for the full restoration of damaged eyesight. Artificial intelligence swiftly identifies and treats wounds within minutes. The advent of lab-grown meat has eliminated animal suffering, and genetic engineering is widely embraced for the benefit of all.

2075 describes the transformation of this world into a totalitarian society. The novel depicts zealous students exerting pressure on dissenting professors, the establishment of academic chairs focused on the “study of visual inequality” with the intent to restrict freedoms, and the creation of “reporting centers for breaches of visual equality.” Members of the middle-class who, out of a sense of conformity, stand by and watch for too long, dismissing concerns with trivializing remarks such as: “Oh, such nonsense will never catch on.” There is a rise in bullying in schools, enabled by spineless teachers. Laws against “fake news” and free speech are enacted. For instance, anyone who accurately describes the state’s “Optical Optimization Therapy” as “forced surgery” faces prosecution. Quotas are introduced to disadvantage beautiful women, the media largely aligns with state narratives, companies capitulate to the prevailing zeitgeist, and a hypocritical political caste persecutes women whom they would gladly have around them in private.

In recounting these events, Zitelmann cannot entirely shed his typically sober, non-fiction writer’s style. No other dystopian novel is likely to contain such an extensive array of studies and facts on equality and envy. This has a major advantage: Every single step towards a totalitarian society appears entirely realistic under Zitelman’s skilled pen. The idea of performing surgeries to make attractive young people look uglier becomes increasingly conceivable as the story unfolds, thanks to this foundation.

The campaign against the “overly beautiful” serves as a symbolic example. The book could just as easily be about the highly intelligent, the unvaccinated, successful farmers, or any other social minority, effectively bridging the gap between fiction and contemporary reality.

However, 2075 is not just about a totalitarian movement and its ascent to power; it is also about the individuals who stand up to this madness. Among them is Riven, a journalist delving into the dangers, lies and corruption of the MOVE fanatics. The greatest hero, however, is a heroine: Alexa. She evolves from a clever but insecure and intellectually uncertain student into a resolute resistance fighter and courageous protector of her younger sister, who herself faces the threat of surgery.

The text on the book’s jacket positions the novel in the same tradition as 1984 and Brave New World, though it stands out from them in a positive way. It identifies the threat to freedom more clearly and coherently, while simultaneously offering an alternative model. People with a libertarian outlook have the opportunity to fight back.

In 2075, Rainer Zitelmann extrapolates the logic of extreme egalitarianism to its alarming conclusion. In doing so, he finally dismantles the flawed notion of equality. Through a compelling narrative, he demonstrates that envy and unequal treatment, when pursued with the aim of creating a uniform society, always lead to ruin.

The narrative’s most uplifting message is that individuals can overcome totalitarianism, if they possess the courage to speak out despite the dangers. At the same time, this message also carries a stark warning: When freedom-loving citizens fail to confront radical collectivists, they risk losing their freedom. The tension between a totalitarian movement and a burgeoning counter-movement is what makes this book so gripping. It serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope.

In the last century, the philosopher Ayn Rand achieved this on a grand scale, with an enduring influence that lasts to the present day. One can only hope that 2075 enjoys comparable success.

You can order your copy of 2075 – When Beauty Became a Crime here.