Questions About Brave New World

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Answered Questions (58)

Paul What a bizarre question. No, of course it isn't. It's a classic, thought provoking, story that is loved by millions. It's the most boring thing ever w…moreWhat a bizarre question. No, of course it isn't. It's a classic, thought provoking, story that is loved by millions. It's the most boring thing ever written. (less)

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Great introduction by Christopher Hitchens. A few months ago I took to reading Brave New World Revisited which struck a deeper cord within me. I am interested in reading more of Huxley or if anyone has suggestions to books similar?

Liam Murray My copy of the book recommends "Island" (which it describes as a utopian version of "Brave New World") and "The Doors of Perception," which covers Hux…moreMy copy of the book recommends "Island" (which it describes as a utopian version of "Brave New World") and "The Doors of Perception," which covers Huxley's experiences with mescaline.

I would've recommended "1984" and "The Giver," though it looks like you already read those.(less)

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Do you really believe there could be a world and a society where humans don't have any urge to go forward or any need for furrther development? I think he was right about everything, except for this. I can't imagine a world where I do not wish...

Michael Perkins Yes as indicated in this critique by social critic Neil Postman...

What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there…moreYes as indicated in this critique by social critic Neil Postman...

What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one. Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egotism.

Orwell feared that the truth would be concealed from us. Huxley feared the truth would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance. Orwell feared we would become a captive culture. Huxley feared we would become a trivial culture, preoccupied with some equivalent of the feelies, the orgy porgy, and the centrifugal bumble puppy.

As Huxley remarked in Brave New World Revisited, the civil libertarians and rationalists, who are ever on the alert to oppose tyranny, “failed to take into account man’s almost infinite appetite for distractions.”

In 1984, people are controlled by inflicting pain. In Brave New World, they are controlled by inflicting pleasure. In short, Orwell feared that what we fear will ruin us. Huxley feared that our desire will ruin us.“(less)

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