The Absolute at Large (eBook)

Karel Čapek (1890–1938) was a Czech writer, playwright, and critic, renowned for his diverse literary work and for coining the word 'robot' in his play 'R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)' (1920). A leading figure in Czech literature, he was known for his astute observations on political and social issues, which were often embedded in works of science fiction and allegory. Čapek's novel 'The Absolute at Large' ('Továrna na absolutno', 1922) is one of his seminal contributions, exploring the themes of consumerism, spirituality, and the intersection of science and ethics, which reflected his own humanistic and philosophical inquiries. Characteristic of Čapek's writing is a style that marries a whimsical sense of humor with a profound and often prescient commentary on the human condition. His work was influential on both a national and international level, as he captured the anxieties and hopes of the early 20th century and the dawn of the technological era. Despite the passage of time, Čapek's literature continues to resonate, speaking to the timeless questions and dilemmas faced by society.