The Marching Morons
The Marching Morons is a science fiction novel by C.M. Kornbluth, published in 1958. The story takes place in a future society where the population has been dumbed down through selective breeding and genetic engineering, resulting in a population of morons who are easily controlled by their rulers. The novel explores themes of conformity, obedience, and the dangers of manipulating human intelligence for political gain.
By C.M. Kornbluth · First published 1958 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Satire · 13,681 words
First lines
In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man, of course, is king. But how about a live wire, a smart businessman, in a civilization of 100% pure chumps?
What this Textopian page supports
The Marching Morons is listed on Textopian as a novel by C.M. Kornbluth, dated 1958 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: C.M. Kornbluth
- Date: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Satire, Short Story
- Length: 13,681 words
- Structure: 1 section, 351 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Marching Morons by C.M. Kornbluth
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Syndic by C. M. Kornbluth
- Shadows Of The Coming Race by George Eliot
- Headhunters Of Nuamerica by Stanton A. Coblentz
- Womans World by Robert Silverberg
- Birds Of A Feather by Robert Silverberg
- The Cyberene by Robert Silverberg
Genres
- Science Fiction — The book features futuristic societies, advanced technology, and concepts of human evolution, which are key elements in the science fiction genre.
- Dystopian — The narrative presents a society that is deceptively perfect, governed by the elite 'Ten Percenters,' which qualify it under the dystopian genre.
- Satire — Kornbluth satirizes societal trends and critiques human intelligence and commercialism, which aligns with the satire genre.
- Short Story — The Marching Morons was published as a single narrative shorter than a novel, therefore, it can also be considered part of the short story genre.
Tags
dystopia · satire · science fiction · social commentary · intelligence · anti-intellectualism · future society · mass culture · technology · population control · class struggle · consumerism