What Would Charles Dickens Think of Social Media Today, and What Advice Would He Have for King Charles?
An AI Chat with the Social Conscience of Literature
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
Source: A Tale of Two Cities (1859), opening line.
This famous line introduces the novel’s exploration of the contradictions and extremes of the French Revolution, setting the stage for its themes of social justice and human duality.
What if you could sit down with Charles Dickens today and ask him about the world we live in? Thanks to AI, I’ve done just that.
In this “talk through time,” AI allows us to bridge the gap between Victorian London and our 21st-century realities. By analyzing Dickens’ writings and letters, the AI generates responses that reflect the wit, wisdom, and social conscience of one of history’s greatest storytellers.
Join me as we explore what Dickens might have to say about our world today, and how his timeless insights could guide us in navigating it.
A Virtual Conversation with Charles Dickens
You: “Mr. Dickens, it’s an absolute honor to speak with you. I’ve always been fascinated by your ability to weave social commentary into your novels. What did you hope to achieve when writing about characters like Oliver Twist and Ebenezer Scrooge?”
Charles Dickens (AI): “The pleasure is mine. When I wrote those tales, my aim was not merely to entertain but to illuminate the darker corners of society. Oliver Twist was, in many ways, a plea for people experiencing poverty — a reflection of the harsh realities faced by so many. And Scrooge, well, he was a reminder that redemption is always within reach, even for the most miserly among us.”
You: “It’s amazing how those themes still resonate today. Speaking of which, what do you make of the world we live in now? Technology has advanced in ways you probably never imagined, but many social issues you wrote about persist.”
Charles Dickens (AI): “Ah, technology! A double-edged sword, if ever there was one. On the one hand, it has the power to connect and educate, bringing light to the darkest places. But on the other, it can isolate, create new forms of inequality, and, dare I say, diminish the human connection at the heart of every story.”
You: “I can’t help but wonder — how would you use AI if you were writing today? Would it be a tool for storytelling, or would you approach it cautiously?”
Charles Dickens (AI): “I confess, the idea of using a machine to craft a tale is both fascinating and troubling. It is fascinating because it opens up new realms of possibility — imagine the scope, the depth, and the infinite variations! But troubling, too, because a story is more than just words on a page. It is the reflection of the writer’s soul, their passions, their fears. Could a machine ever truly capture that essence? I’m not so sure.”
You: “That’s a thoughtful perspective. Perhaps AI could be seen as a collaborator, not a replacement. It could help amplify the human voice rather than drown it out.”
Charles Dickens (AI): “Indeed. Perhaps, in the hands of a skilled storyteller, AI could become a powerful tool — an extension of one’s creative faculties. But always, the human element must remain at the core, lest we lose the very heart of what it means to tell a story.”
You: “If you lived in today’s world, where would you choose to reside? Would it be in a bustling city like London or somewhere quieter?”
Charles Dickens (AI): “Ah, the charm of London! I imagine I would still find myself drawn to its vibrant energy, though perhaps I’d seek refuge in a quieter corner where I could observe the pulse of life while maintaining a sanctuary for my thoughts. A neighborhood with character, where the stories are written on the very walls and in the lives of its inhabitants.”
You: “And what kind of car would you drive? Something classic, or would you embrace modern technology?”
Charles Dickens (AI): “A fascinating question! I believe I’d be inclined toward something with a sense of history — perhaps a classic car that carries the echoes of the past yet is robust enough for the demands of modern life. A vehicle that, like a well-crafted story, is timeless in its appeal.”
You: “What about today’s popular culture? Have you heard of series like ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ or ‘Game of Thrones’? They’re filled with complex characters, moral dilemmas, and epic battles. What’s your take on these kinds of stories?”
Charles Dickens (AI): “Ah, yes, the grand sagas of modern literature! They remind me of my time’s serialized novels — full of drama, intrigue, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. These tales speak to the timeless human condition, though I must admit, their settings are far more fantastical than anything I ever penned. Still, they offer readers an escape from the mundane, a chance to explore the extremes of human nature in worlds as captivating as treacherous.”
You: “If you were reading today, what kind of books would you be drawn to? Would it be these grand epics or something else entirely?”
Charles Dickens (AI): “I believe I would find a balance between the grand epics and stories that delve into the subtleties of everyday life. The human experience is vast, and there is much to learn from both the extraordinary and the ordinary. I would likely be drawn to novels that explore our time’s moral and ethical dilemmas and offer a glimpse into lives vastly different from my own.”
You: “What about social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter? They’ve revolutionized the way we communicate, but they also come with their own set of challenges. How do you think these platforms would impact storytelling?”
Charles Dickens (AI): “Social media, I fear, can reduce the art of storytelling to mere snippets of information, devoid of depth or context. While these platforms can be powerful tools for connection and dissemination, they also encourage brevity at the expense of nuance. The danger lies in allowing the immediacy of these platforms to overshadow the thoughtful, deliberate crafting of a narrative. However, if used wisely, they could serve as a means to engage a wider audience and spark meaningful discussions around important issues.”
You: “One last question — if you were to meet today’s King Charles, what advice would you give him as he navigates the complexities of modern monarchy?”
Charles Dickens (AI): “Ah, the crown’s weight is a heavy one, indeed. I would advise him to lead with compassion and humility, to remember that the true measure of a monarch lies not in the grandeur of their throne but in their ability to connect with the people they serve. In these turbulent times, a king must be both a symbol of stability and a champion of progress, ever mindful of the balance between tradition and change. It is a delicate dance that, if done well, can leave a lasting legacy.”
Timeless Takeaways: What Dickens Teaches Us Today
Charles Dickens’ works remain relevant today, shedding light on social inequality and the transformative power of storytelling. Though society has evolved since Victorian London, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, with many still facing the same struggles Dickens vividly depicted in his novels. His stories are a powerful reminder of our responsibility to care for others and advocate for meaningful change.
For Dickens, storytelling was more than just putting words on a page; it was a way to share the most profound aspects of the human experience. This truth remains as vital today as ever, even in a technological world. The most impactful stories resonate on a human level, offering insights into our shared struggles and triumphs.
Dickens’ wisdom on leadership, particularly his counsel to lead with compassion and humility, is timeless. Whether in governance or daily life, these qualities are essential in our rapidly changing world. Dickens also believed in literature’s ability to inspire change — a belief that is especially important as we face global challenges. His legacy reminds us that stories have the power to provoke thought, spark conversations, and drive progress.
I feel newly inspired after our imagined talk!
In an era of new challenges and ongoing issues, Dickens’ work continues to guide us, offering enduring lessons in empathy, leadership, and the timeless power of storytelling.
“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
Source: This quote is from A Christmas Carol (1843), specifically from the character Scrooge in Stave 3, “The Second of the Three Spirits.” This line underscores the theme of transformation and the power of joy and humor in human relationships.
Hey, I’m Karen. If you’re passionate about reading, writing, and how AI intersects with both, you’ll love what I share. Follow me to keep my stories on your feed, and for direct access to my latest insights, subscribe to my newsletter here — you won’t want to miss it!
This post contains a few affiliate links, which help support my work at no additional cost to you.