- Why did satire feel like the most effective way to examine dishonesty, misinformation, and declining public trust?
Satire has been an indispensable, if sometimes dangerous, part of public discourse from the beginning of recorded history. Think Aristophanes’ Lysisstrata. Humor and satire are correctives for overweening power. Or at least they try to be. There is endless earnest commentary about the current state of the world, on all side of all issues. Any drop we might have added to that flood would have been inconsequential. Satire seemed like the only available tool. Plus – we got to make some jokes.
- The A.R.C. makes lying physically fatal. What does that heightened premise reveal about the real-world consequences of dishonesty?
Just imagine – how long would you last? For me…10 minutes perhaps? Less? The absurdity of the premise makes the point.
- The outbreak begins among wealthy and influential people attending an elite climate conference. What were you hoping to say about performative activism and corporate promises?
The cultural affliction we posit – the pandemic of lying – is total, and in our story no one is immune to its effects. In the real world, the behavior of the class of folks who would attend the GRFT conference, were there such a thing, has massively disproportionate effects on the rest of us. These are, we are told, our heroes and role models. So yeah…it just felt fair, in its unfairness.
- Does the virus affect everyone equally, or does the story explore how wealth and power shape who faces the consequences of a crisis?
No one is safe.
- Much of the story unfolds aboard a supposedly sustainable cruise ship named The Veritas, meaning “truth.” What does the ship symbolize?
Thou doth protest too much.
- In a society built around advertising, public relations, political messaging, and social media performance, could people actually function if they were forced to be completely honest?
One imagines the result of trying would be catastrophic. But perhaps we are seeing that the results of not trying are catastrophic.
- How does the book distinguish between a malicious lie, an exaggeration, an omission, and the private stories people tell themselves? Or does it?
It doesn’t. In our absurd story there is no gray zone, or white lie. But there is a difference between what we say and what we think. I suppose the suggestion is that he world would be a happier place if we all just talked a lot less.
- Journalism is expected to expose deception, but media outlets can also amplify falsehoods. What role does the press play in the world you have created?
I will leave that question to you as journalists. We are just silly comic book writers trying to have some fun.
- How do artificial intelligence and social media change the scale, speed, and credibility of the lies circulating through the story?
AI and social media are force multipliers for every problematic thing about our current world. We hear a lot about how these technologies will result in great things for us in the future. Ok. But what have you done for me lately?
- Despite its cynicism and dark humor, The A.R.C. leaves room for hope. What allows its survivors to begin rebuilding trust?
Gandalf said “I find it’s the simple acts of kindness of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay”. We have control of our own personal behavior. That’s about it.
- You studied fine arts before building a career encompassing filmmaking, entrepreneurship, technology, and investing. How has that unusual path shaped you as a storyteller?
I have been very lucky to have a range of interesting life experiences, for which I am deeply grateful. But I think I learned the most from my mother who was a hilarious joke and story teller. I miss her.
