What Is Cyberpunk? Wires, Rebels, and the Future That Already Happened

Join teenage digital philosopher Eli Mercer as he explores the origins and eerie accuracy of cyberpunk—a genre that stopped being science fiction and became our reality. In this first episode of "Neon Dreams & Digital Nightmares," Eli breaks down how cyberpunk's core formula of "high tech meets low life" predicted our world of corporate domination, digital surveillance, fluid identities, and technological rebellion. From William Gibson's Neuromancer to Blade Runner's rain-soaked streets, discover why cyberpunk feels less like a warning about the future and more like a mirror reflecting our present. Mixing philosophy from Plato to modern tech ethics, Eli reveals how this dystopian genre actually offers us the tools to understand—and resist—the forces shaping our digital age. This isn't just about neon lights and hackers; it's about recognizing the future that already happened and deciding what we're going to do about it. Want more thought-provoking content that blends history, philosophy, and cutting-edge digital culture? Discover a whole library of engaging podcasts that will change how you see the world at https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ – where every episode is an adventure in ideas you won't want to miss!

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