The Heart of Mankind Limited: A Dystopian Reflection on the Price of Progress

As a writer, I’ve always been drawn to the complex interplay between humanity’s boundless ambition and the unintended consequences that often arise in its wake. My novel, Mankind Limited, explores this fragile balance, offering readers a glimpse into a world where corporate power overshadows human freedom, and technology becomes both a blessing and a curse.

The inspiration for this story stemmed from the growing influence of multinational corporations in shaping not only markets but also personal lives, ideologies, and even the fabric of society. The question I kept circling back to was: What happens when humanity’s future is no longer decided by individuals but by entities driven solely by profit and control? Mankind Limited is my answer to that question—a cautionary tale that mirrors the concerns of our present while casting them into a shadowy, dystopian future.

At its core, Mankind Limited revolves around a system of powerful corporations that hold the reins of society, manipulating everything from resources to human behaviour. It’s a world where individuality is suppressed, and conformity is rewarded—a hauntingly plausible reality for anyone who’s observed the increasing commodification of our lives. The protagonist, caught in the machinery of this corporate dystopia, is faced with choices that challenge their morality, loyalty, and humanity itself.

This novel isn’t just about the terrifying possibilities of unchecked power; it’s also about resistance, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. In crafting this world, I wanted to explore the grey areas where good intentions are twisted, and the pursuit of innovation comes at a cost that society can no longer bear.

One of the most exciting parts of writing Mankind Limited was the opportunity to delve into the nuances of human behaviour under extreme societal pressure. What would you do if your every choice was monitored? How much of your freedom would you sacrifice for comfort or safety? And, ultimately, what does it mean to be truly free? These are the questions I pose to readers, not with the intention of providing neat answers, but to spark introspection and discussion.

Since its release, Mankind Limited has sparked conversations with readers who see parallels between the fictional world I created and the direction of our own society. The world of Mankind Limited is dark, but it’s not without hope. Writing this novel reminded me of humanity’s capacity for connection and defiance, even in the face of insurmountable odds. I hope readers find themselves both challenged and inspired as they navigate the twists and turns of the story.

If you’re someone who enjoys exploring the depths of a dystopian future and questioning the direction of our own society, I hope you’ll consider diving into Mankind Limited. It’s a story that continues to resonate and urges reflection on the choices we make today and the world we want to shape for tomorrow.

I’d love to hear your thoughts as you journey through the novel. What resonates with you? Which moments linger in your mind? And, most importantly, how do you envision a better future? Let’s keep the conversation going—because change begins with awareness, and awareness begins with a story.

Scott Andrew Bailey

Big Brother is Dead

George Orwell’s

1984

Showed us the nightmare vision of socialism gone to extremes

It didn’t come to pass.

Instead – we welcomed in something far more insidious.

Capitalism unmarked.

Welcome to

Mankind Limited

Welcome to the rebellion

Welcome to The Secret

In response to Scott Daily Prompt – 1984

Can You Find the Secret?

There is a secret. It waits to be discovered and when it is it frees people, leads them to rebellion, and brings them together in strength. It must be discovered, it cannot be taught only learned. Once learned it needs to be lived.

Mankind Limited” is the story of four individual’s journeys of self-discovery to find and share the secret. Each has their own set of challenges, their own falls and victories. In a world where everything is measured and controlled the weight of society wants to crush them, hide the secret and control them. 

This is the story of that fight. A fight only those who can find and live the secret without compromise will survive.

Mankind Limited

Trapped. In a world where everything is measured and control pervades every area of life, four people begin to break down. Instead, they break through the walls of deceit and propaganda and into a world of revolution.

Each, in their way, vow to overthrow the established order. They embark on a journey against the forces arraigned against them, forces of state and self-doubt.

Ultimately their paths converge on a dangerous road and the discovery of an ancient secret.

One one level this is a story about how different people react the ever growing and relentless pressure of everyday oppression. It explores their journeys as they are broken and rebuilt and investigates their modes and motivations for rebelling.

At another level, it is a critique on the darker side of capitalism and free markets and how that has driven us further and further away from the evolutionary advantage that gave us supremacy in the first place. It questions whether the human race has doomed itself or whether we still have the capacity to wrench ourselves from the track we have so tightly committed our society upon.

Revolution and Control

A world of control and a fight for freedom. Experience ‘Mankind Limited’. #Revolution #DystopianNovel

Rebellion

Marc trudged through life, just another cog in the machine, burdened by the relentless demands to conform, succeed, or be crushed by failure. But deep down, he knew something was terribly wrong. The questions that gnawed at his soul grew into a storm of doubt until they finally shattered his fragile sanity.

Driven by a newfound defiance, Marc embarks on a dangerous journey, leading him to three others who share his thirst for answers. Together, they unravel a conspiracy that threatens to brand them as terrorists, forcing them to flee for their lives.

As Marc navigates a treacherous path filled with love, heartbreak, hope, and despair, he uncovers whispers of an ancient and powerful secret that could change everything he knows—if he can survive long enough to unlock it.

Mankind Limited is a gripping tale of rebellion, adventure, and the search for truth in a world determined to keep it hidden.

Rebels Remoulded

Pressure breaks them, revolution remakes them. Join the journey in ‘Mankind Limited’. #DystopianNovel #MankindLimited

Rebels Remoulded

Unleash the Revolution: A Gripping Tale of Resistance and Revelation

In a world where control and surveillance dictate every aspect of life, four individuals find themselves at a breaking point. But instead of succumbing to the oppressive regime, they shatter the walls of deceit and propaganda, stepping boldly into a realm of revolution.

Each character, in their own unique way, vows to dismantle the established order. Their journey is fraught with peril, as they face formidable forces—both from the state and from within their own minds. As their paths intertwine, they traverse a dangerous road, leading to the discovery of an ancient secret that could change everything.

This compelling narrative delves deep into the human spirit under relentless pressure, revealing how different people respond to the crushing weight of everyday oppression. It’s a story of breaking down and rebuilding, of rebellion driven by diverse motivations and methods.

On another level, this book offers a profound critique of capitalism and free markets, exposing their darker sides. It challenges us to consider whether humanity has doomed itself or if we still possess the strength to divert from the perilous path we’ve set for our society.

Join these four rebels on a gripping journey of resistance, revelation, and the fight for a better future. Get your copy today and discover if the human race can still find hope amid the chaos.

The Dark Side

Capitalism’s dark side unveiled in ‘Mankind Limited’. A story of hope and rebellion. #ThoughtProvoking #MankindLimited

Mankind Limited

Dive into a gripping dystopian world where every aspect of life is measured and controlled. In Mankind Limited, follow the journey of four individuals who break through walls of deceit and propaganda, igniting a revolution against oppressive forces.

Witness their personal battles against the state and self-doubt as they embark on a dangerous road, converging on the discovery of an ancient secret.

This isn’t just a story about rebellion; it’s a powerful critique on the darker side of capitalism and the relentless pressure of everyday oppression. ‘Mankind Limited’ explores how we can reclaim our humanity and questions if we still have the capacity to change our course.

Join the revolution. Read ‘Mankind Limited’ now!

#DystopianReads #MankindLimited #Revolution #BookLovers #MustRead #Society #CapitalismCritique

Secrets, Danger and Action in a Dystopian Future

Need a thrilling read? “Mankind Limited” offers suspense, action, and unforgettable characters. Don’t miss out on this captivating story. Get your copy on Amazon now!

Hanglider being attacked in a storm ridden sky

Trapped. In a world where everything is measured and control pervades every area of life, four people begin to break down. Instead, they break through the walls of deceit and propaganda and into a world of revolution.

Each, in their way, vow to overthrow the established order. They embark on a journey against the forces arraigned against them, forces of state and self-doubt.

Ultimately their paths converge on a dangerous road and the discovery of an ancient secret.

One one level this is a story about how different people react the ever growing and relentless pressure of everyday oppression. It explores their journeys as they are broken and rebuilt and investigates their modes and motivations for rebelling.

At another level, it is a critique on the darker side of capitalism and free markets and how that has driven us further and further away from the evolutionary advantage that gave us supremacy in the first place. It questions whether the human race has doomed itself or whether we still have the capacity to wrench ourselves from the track we have so tightly committed our society upon.


In a world obsessed with measurement and success four rebels question everything – including themselves.


Read It! Don’t let it come to pass!

Humanity reduced to a bottom line.

Mankind Limited


Trapped. In a world where everything is measured and control pervades every area of life, four people begin to break down. Instead, they break through the walls of deceit and propaganda and into a world of revolution.

Each, in their way, vow to overthrow the established order. They embark on a journey against the forces arraigned against them, forces of state and self-doubt.

Ultimately their paths converge on a dangerous road and the discovery of an ancient secret.

One one level this is a story about how different people react the ever growing and relentless pressure of everyday oppression. It explores their journeys as they are broken and rebuilt and investigates their modes and motivations for rebelling.

At another level it is a critique on the darker side of capitalism and free markets and how that has driven us further and further away from the evolutionary advantage that gave us supremacy in the first place. It questions whether the human race has doomed itself or whether we still have the capacity to wrench ourselves from the track we have so tightly committed our society upon.

Available as

Kindle

or hardback

from Amazon

Mankind Limited

Ensnared within the suffocating grasp of a world dictated by measurement and control, four individuals find themselves teetering on the brink of collapse. Yet, instead of succumbing to the weight of oppression, they find the courage to shatter the veneer of deceit and propaganda, propelling themselves into the realm of revolution.

Each of them, driven by their own convictions, pledges to dismantle the established order, setting forth on a perilous journey fraught with obstacles both external and internal. Battling against the formidable forces of state oppression and the insidious whispers of self-doubt, they navigate a treacherous path toward emancipation.

Their destinies intertwine on a hazardous road, leading them to uncover an ancient secret that holds the key to liberation.

At its core, this narrative delves into the diverse responses of individuals grappling with the relentless pressure of everyday oppression. It chronicles their metamorphosis as they are broken down and rebuilt, probing into the intricacies of their rebellion—its motivations, methods, and moral dilemmas.

Yet, on a deeper level, it serves as a searing critique of the darker facets of capitalism and free markets, laying bare the corrosive effects that have driven humanity further from the evolutionary advantage that once secured our supremacy. It poses a poignant question: Have we sealed our own fate, hurtling down a path of societal self-destruction, or do we still retain the capacity to wrench ourselves from the clutches of our own making?

Mankind Limited

A Dark Future Vision – Or is it Already Here

This book shows the how society could evolve if capitalism were allowed to follow through to its extremes. It’s a dark shadow of this world. Or is it? Is this the world that we already live in?

Enter a world of pressure and release – rebellion and doubt and the rediscovery of a simple Secret the rulers of the world would rather you not know.

Mankind Limited

Mankind Limited

Marc trudged on with life, marching in line with his fellow workers. Weighed down by the everyday burdens of life, the pressure to conform, to succeed or face destitution.

Yet he knew, in his heart that it was all wrong, the questions squirmed like fiery dragons in the pit of his heart, beneath his deepest darkest doubts.

Until they grew and burst his sanity, set him on a path of defiance and rebellion. A path that would cross three others – all like him seeking answers.

A path of danger and adventure that would see him marked as a terrorist and fleeing for his life. It would see him find love and heartbreak, hope and despair, Most of all, it would open his eye to the possibility of an ancient and powerful secret that might answer all his doubts and fears.

If he survived.

Trapped. In a world where everything is measured and control pervades every area of life, four people begin to break down. Instead, they break through the walls of deceit and propaganda and into a world of revolution.

Each, in their way, vows to overthrow the established order. They embark on a journey against the forces arraigned against them, forces of state and self-doubt.

Ultimately their paths converge on a dangerous road and the discovery of an ancient secret.

One one level this is a story about how different people react the ever growing and relentless pressure of everyday oppression. It explores their journeys as they are broken and rebuilt and investigates their modes and motivations for rebelling.

At another level, it is a critique on the darker side of capitalism and free markets and how that has driven us further and further away from the evolutionary advantage that gave us supremacy in the first place. It questions whether the human race has doomed itself or whether we still have the capacity to wrench ourselves from the track we have so tightly committed our society upon.

Silver Threadings Review – Mankind Limited

Scott Bailey skillfully wove a tale of intrigue and suspense with just the right amount of dystopian dread. Bravo!

Silver Threading

  • Title:  Mankind Limited
  • Author: Scott Bailey
  • File Size: 958 KB
  • Print Length: 376 pages
  • Publisher: Scott Bailey
  • Publication Date: August 19, 2013
  • Sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00EOA1RW2
  • Formats: Paperback and Kindle
  • Goodreads
  • Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Dystopian Fantasy

In the Author’s Words:

“Trapped. In a world where everything is measured and control pervades every area of life, four people begin to break down. Instead, they break through the walls of deceit and propaganda and into a world of revolution. 

Each, in their way, vow to overthrow the established order. They embark on a journey against the forces arraigned against them, forces of the state and self-doubt.

Ultimately their paths converge on a dangerous road and the discovery of an ancient secret.

Four people, four rebels. Four journeys of self-doubt and discovery that converge on the road to revolution and the discovery of an ancient secret.”

My Recommendation:

*The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

I have never been a fan of dystopian novels. For me, they were always too dark and miserable, filled with human misery and oppression. You can imagine my joy then when I dug intoMankind Limited to find a book filled with characters who were well-rounded and human, flaws and all. I even found an element of hope buried within the pages that drew me further into the story.

In a time, possibly not too far in our future, the MOD has assumed complete control of the government. Nobody crosses them or even attempts to. People become automatons, there but for one reason – to earn money. Individuality is frowned upon. All you are allowed to do is work.

If you lose your job, which is considered a public failure, you are allowed to stay on welfare for only a very short time. The possibility of getting another job after that would be slim to none. Once an individual falls off the bottom of the Personal League Tables, they become illegals, forced to live on the street. Tens of thousands of illegals are shot in the act of criminal activity each year, simply trying to survive.

The government has found a way to manipulate and drug people so they can control them. The MOD believes a docile employee will work hard and earn more money. One such man, Marc, finds himself struggling to survive in this world. It is as if he cannot adapt. Eventually, he loses his job and his wife. He finds himself part of a fringe group of illegals hunting for information about a MOD program called Noah’s Ark.

Richard and Jane, brother and sister, along with their friend, William, welcome Marc into their group of illegals. One day, during a reconnaissance mission to a laboratory high in the mountains, the group comes upon a secret so deadly, it could spell the end of the world for them all. Evidence must be destroyed, so the group plants a bomb to insure the secrets are never used against humans.

As they make their escape, they discover the President is on his way to the facilities for a briefing. The bomb blows the research laboratory and the President to smithereens, branding the illegals as murderers on the run.

Now, this is where I found the story got really interesting. This series of events leads the foursome on an adventure of self-discovery. Each person deals with the trauma from their life decisions, leading the reader to a culmination of events at the explosive ending where the secret is finally revealed.

The plot and characters were superb. The only thing I found I had to get used to was the way the author switched scenes and characters within the same chapter. This was done, I am sure, for perspective and as a way to show what was happening to each character all at the same time.

I must admit, I was surprised by the ending. Scott Bailey skillfully wove a tale of intrigue and suspense with just the right amount of dystopian dread. Bravo!

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 4
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 4
Overall Rate: 4.0 out of 5 stars

 

 

In response to my daily prompt Activity

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

www.scottandrewbailey.uk

Less Noise, More Action

That kind of sums up my approach to 2020, particularly to writing.

2019 was not overly productive for me. I curated and edited some old work into a new collection – Andervayne’s Dream. I also continued to try and market my existing books, Mankind Limited, A Spring of Dreams and Thirteen Tales of Ghosts. Not to much success.

All this has mean that along with the demands of life, many family illness and dealing with a son with Autism, I have not had much time to actually write anything new. I have kept my blog alive by reposting old work daily.

I tried NaNoWriMo, but again, due to life commitments and stress, did not complete it – though I did come out of it with five drafts of short stories.

So. New years resolutions!

Firstly, it should be noted I have 100% failure rate on these. I can make goals and get there, just not new years resolutions. I think this is because I tend to try and make big life changing ones.

So this year I am going to do two things. One, I am making them public, here and now. Hopefully that will give me kick up the backside to actually complete them. Secondly, I am making them a bit more modest.

So this is my plan for 2020.

One poem a week.

One short story a month

Enter one competition or submit to one publication per month.

These are reasonable and well within my capabilities. 52 poems and 12 short stories. I have done far more that that in a shorter time before.

The other big difference will be that I will not be posting them on my blog. I am keeping them unpublished so I can use them to submit to competitions and publications.

Which means, this blog will be a lot quieter this year.

Less noise, more action.

All Scott Andrew Bailey's Books

Brexit Answers

Tired of all the confusion?

Worried about Brexit?

Want answers in all this chaos?

Read this book.

Mankind_Limited_Cover_for_Kindle

You will be none the wiser but you will have one more good story in your head. And a break from all the madness.

Mankind Limited

By Scott Bailey

Marc trudged on with life, marching in line with his fellow workers. Weighed down by the everyday burdens of life, the pressure to conform, to succeed or face destitution.

Yet he knew, in his heart that it was all wrong, the questions squirmed like fiery dragons in the pit of his heart, beneath his deepest darkest doubts.

Until they grew and burst his sanity, set him on a path of defiance and rebellion. A path that would cross three others – all like him seeking answers.

A path of danger and adventure that would see him marked as a terrorist and fleeing for his life. It would see him find love and heartbreak, hope and despair, Most of all, it would open his eye to the possibility of an ancient and powerful secret that might answer all his doubts and fears.

If he survived.

Trapped. In a world where everything is measured and control pervades every area of life, four people begin to break down. Instead, they break through the walls of deceit and propaganda and into a world of revolution.

Each, in their way, vow to overthrow the established order. They embark on a journey against the forces arraigned against them, forces of state and self-doubt.

Ultimately their paths converge on a dangerous road and the discovery of an ancient secret.

Four people, four rebels. Four journeys of self-doubt and discovery that converge on the road to revolution and the discovery of an ancient secret.

Last Minute Presents

If you are stuck for ideas – here are a few. They are original and different – plus being ebooks they have the advantage of not being hindered by delivery issues 🙂

Mankind Limited

Mankind Limited

Marc trudged on with life, marching in line with his fellow workers. Weighed down by the everyday burdens of life, the pressure to conform, to succeed or face destitution.

Yet he knew, in his heart that it was all wrong, the questions squirmed like fiery dragons in the pit of his heart, beneath his deepest darkest doubts.

Until they grew and burst his sanity, set him on a path of defiance and rebellion. A path that would cross three others – all like him seeking answers.

A path of danger and adventure that would see him marked as a terrorist and fleeing for his life. It would see him find love and heartbreak, hope and despair, Most of all, it would open his eye to the possibility of an ancient and powerful secret that might answer all his doubts and fears.

If he survived.

 

Buy Now


Thirteen Tales

As the title says – thirteen tales about ghosts. Yet, while ghosts feature in them all – not all are traditional ghost stories.

You will find the vengeful spirit but also the plaintiff one. The haunting message from the past and the playful spirits capturing the joy of their past lives.

Some of these visitors from beyond lead the haunted to peace and joy – others take them on much darker paths to places with no return.

Enjoy them – just don’t get too comfortable.

 

Buy Now


A Spring of Dreams

Three hundred and sixty-five poems in all shapes and sizes, sprung from dreams and emotion. Published day after day for a year. There are haiku, sonnets, katauta, lanturnes and many other forms – including free form. The moods are as varied as the forms and often reflect my mood on the day. There is sadness and grief, joy and love.

If nothing else – these can provide a small moment in everyone’s stressful lives to stop and contemplate the world in a different way.

 

Buy Now

 

www.scottandrewbailey.uk

Guest Poem – Mankind Limited

I was surprised to get a message from a friend and colleague – a rap poem – inspired by my novel Mankind Limited.

I thought I would share it here;

Also, check out their music on their own site https://urbanhippies.bandcamp.com/.

Here is the poem.

 

Mankind Ltd

By J McKay

Where the kindness of man is limited
Capitalist cooperation that will see your dreams diminished

I see humans but no humanity
Just vanity
Losing my sanity
People escaping to virtual reality
Because reality
Is is now a dark place
Lives taken because of their race
Deals done with a cash filled suitcase
Suit and tie
Led by
The pied piper
on a never ending Rat race

Mankind LTD
Where the kindness of man is limited
Capitalist cooperation that will see your dreams diminished

Whats wrong with the world Mumma?
Rehiring the war drummer
Reigniting feuds with a different Color
Future hasn’t looked glummer
Worlds heating up like an Indian summer
Enough money to fight, nothing done about world hunger
So I wonder
Is the war drummer
Just An opportunity to showcase the chopper gunner
To damage infrastructure,
To take lives from a culture
Take fathers from youngsters
Circling above like vultures
Targets are hidden deep under
bombs are nothing but a stain on a water color

Mankind LTD
Where the kindness of man is limited
Capitalist cooperation that will see your dreams diminished

Sensationalised snippets
Bunch of hypocrites
With a hidden agenda to make your opinions fit
Emotional counterfeit
Drink down the whole truth, don’t just sip it
Don’t read a headline and then just skip it
Hounding hashtags like a whippet
Tweet tweet
But you ain’t no pipit
Reference to a bird incase you didn’t get it
Daily disposable media, how you gonna fill it?
Click bait
To get those click through rates
Hooked on a headline
Served up on a plate

Mankind LTD
Where the kindness of man is limited
Capitalist cooperation that will see your dreams diminished

At war with Nature
Where is this the legislator
It’s not out governments, there just a manipulator
Facilitators
For the rape of our lands by dictators
Hard to be inhalators
Of these demonstrators
Because trees are our main respirators
Think there an accelerator
For improving nature
But there blinded by a broken alternator

Mankind LTD
Where the kindness of man is limited
Capitalist cooperation that will see your dreams diminished

 

 

Sales and Stats slowly climbing

I did it! Well, the first of my aims for the end of this year. I made it over 10,000 views this year. Paltry compared to some I know but miles better than any previous year for me.

Just another 90 followers to pick up now 🙂

On top of that a few more sales this week – including a soft back! Maybe the ball is finally picking up some momentum.

For many reasons – roll on 2017!

Mankind Limited – Another Fantastic Review

A detailed, in-depth and insightful review of Mankind Limited from Silver Threading. Check it out here.. and many thanks to her for the review!

Featured Image -- 6710

Mankind Limited – The Secret

recite-52pdc5

www.scottandrewbailey.uk

Read an excerpt here.

Available as

Kindle

or hardback

from Amazon

or CreateSpace

Now also available at Smashwords, IBooks, Barnes and Noble and many other reputable outlets.

Mankind Limited – Review

Mankind Limited

“This book ⇑⇑⇑ should be a movie. Somewhere in Hollywood right now there are actors waiting for their agents to deliver this story in script format to them. The makings of all action-packed adventure films is here. I can see the film in my mind’s eye.
But this one is different.

It’s not fast-paced for the thrill of it alone. It needs to be to get the message across. Mankind could be on the threshold of just such a future. Time is racing.

This one could be us.

Maybe a few years down the line yet, maybe already almost there in some similar format. Change a few details. Replace one group for another. Look behind the motives in politics and corporations. Stretch the reality just a little. Ask ourselves questions looking through the light of a different lens.

It feels like us, it acts like us, it may very well come…”

#IARTG

Yet Another Reboot….. but

Now I am just as fed up with all the reboots as the next person. So now I am presented with a dilemma. When I heard about this film I was jaded about it – why can’t they do something new!

Then I watched this trailer

So you see my dilemma? It looks amazing!

But if that doesn’t whet your whistle then how about this?

Dinosaurs, Nazi’s, Hollow Earth and President Sarah Palin!!!! What more can you ask from a film?

Début Novel – Now Available

So here’s my announcement!

[Insert fanfare of your choice here]

And some shameless self promotion.

[Scratch the fanfare]

But seriously. After lounging in a drawer for fifteen years or so I have finally dusted it off, edited and now self published my first début novel – available now on Amazon Kindle.

Mankind Limited

Please feel free to re-blog and let the world know!