We’ve never had more choices—so why doesn’t life feel free?
John Carpenter’s 1988 cult film "They Live" showed a world where hidden forces urged people to consume and obey without question. In today’s online age of algorithms, targeted ads and curated feeds, those themes feel more relevant than ever.
Modern society drowns us in “options,” yet most are between products, apps, or lifestyles designed and marketed to us. Are we liberated individuals—or just well-managed consumers, nudged and steered without even realising it?
Is freedom simply the absence of chains, or does it demand something deeper.. control over our own time, our own desires, even our own minds? If the system shapes what we want before we even choose, is that freedom at all?
This month's PiP will tackle the big questions: Are we freer than ever, or just trapped in a smarter kind of cage? What do we really need in order to live as free human beings? And how much freedom are we willing to trade for comfort, safety, and convenience?
As always, expect lively, informal conversations in small groups, plenty of different opinions and a good splash of friendly disagreement. First-timers and regulars equally welcome—no philosophy background needed, just curiosity and a pint of wine (or beer) in hand.
