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Harrison Bergeron
"The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They weren't only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way..."
It is the year 2081. Because of Amendments 211, 212 and 213 to the Constitution, every American is fully equal, meaning that no one is stupider, uglier, weaker, or slower than anyone else. The Handicapper General and a team of agents ensure that the laws of equality are enforced.
One April, fourteen-year-old Harrison Bergeron is taken away from his parents, George and Hazel, by the government and to a place unknown. But what happens in the aftermath will challenge the status quo and inspire his peers about the hidden potential within one's own individuality.
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922–2007) was an American novelist, satirist, and most recently, graphic artist. He was born in Indianapolis, later the setting for many of his novels. His experiences as an advance scout in the Battle of the Bulge during WWII, and in particular his witnessing of the bombing of Dresden, Germany whilst a prisoner of war, would inform much of his work. The novelist is best known for works blending satire, black comedy and science fiction, such as 'Slaughterhouse-Five' (1969), 'Cat's Cradle' (1963), and 'Breakfast of Champions' (1973).
It is the year 2081. Because of Amendments 211, 212 and 213 to the Constitution, every American is fully equal, meaning that no one is stupider, uglier, weaker, or slower than anyone else. The Handicapper General and a team of agents ensure that the laws of equality are enforced.
One April, fourteen-year-old Harrison Bergeron is taken away from his parents, George and Hazel, by the government and to a place unknown. But what happens in the aftermath will challenge the status quo and inspire his peers about the hidden potential within one's own individuality.
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922–2007) was an American novelist, satirist, and most recently, graphic artist. He was born in Indianapolis, later the setting for many of his novels. His experiences as an advance scout in the Battle of the Bulge during WWII, and in particular his witnessing of the bombing of Dresden, Germany whilst a prisoner of war, would inform much of his work. The novelist is best known for works blending satire, black comedy and science fiction, such as 'Slaughterhouse-Five' (1969), 'Cat's Cradle' (1963), and 'Breakfast of Champions' (1973).
9 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 1961
93 people are currently reading
18251 people want to read
About the author
Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
641 books36.5k followersKurt Vonnegut, Junior was an American novelist, satirist, and most recently, graphic artist. He was recognized as New York State Author for 2001-2003.
He was born in Indianapolis, later the setting for many of his novels. He attended Cornell University from 1941 to 1943, where he wrote a column for the student newspaper, the Cornell Daily Sun. Vonnegut trained as a chemist and worked as a journalist before joining the U.S. Army and serving in World War II.
After the war, he attended University of Chicago as a graduate student in anthropology and also worked as a police reporter at the City News Bureau of Chicago. He left Chicago to work in Schenectady, New York in public relations for General Electric. He attributed his unadorned writing style to his reporting work.
His experiences as an advance scout in the Battle of the Bulge, and in particular his witnessing of the bombing of Dresden, Germany whilst a prisoner of war, would inform much of his work. This event would also form the core of his most famous work, Slaughterhouse-Five, the book which would make him a millionaire. This acerbic 200-page book is what most people mean when they describe a work as "Vonnegutian" in scope.
Vonnegut was a self-proclaimed humanist and socialist (influenced by the style of Indiana's own Eugene V. Debs) and a lifelong supporter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
The novelist is known for works blending satire, black comedy and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973)
He was born in Indianapolis, later the setting for many of his novels. He attended Cornell University from 1941 to 1943, where he wrote a column for the student newspaper, the Cornell Daily Sun. Vonnegut trained as a chemist and worked as a journalist before joining the U.S. Army and serving in World War II.
After the war, he attended University of Chicago as a graduate student in anthropology and also worked as a police reporter at the City News Bureau of Chicago. He left Chicago to work in Schenectady, New York in public relations for General Electric. He attributed his unadorned writing style to his reporting work.
His experiences as an advance scout in the Battle of the Bulge, and in particular his witnessing of the bombing of Dresden, Germany whilst a prisoner of war, would inform much of his work. This event would also form the core of his most famous work, Slaughterhouse-Five, the book which would make him a millionaire. This acerbic 200-page book is what most people mean when they describe a work as "Vonnegutian" in scope.
Vonnegut was a self-proclaimed humanist and socialist (influenced by the style of Indiana's own Eugene V. Debs) and a lifelong supporter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
The novelist is known for works blending satire, black comedy and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,819 reviews
September 27, 2021
*3.5 stars *
A short but chilling read, that makes the reader celebrate diversity in all its many forms. Absolute equality certainly isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!!
Thanks to my GR friend Mark for putting this one on my radar.
A short but chilling read, that makes the reader celebrate diversity in all its many forms. Absolute equality certainly isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!!
Thanks to my GR friend Mark for putting this one on my radar.
February 27, 2016
A rather stinging, unsettling account of a likely future where absolute equality doesn’t naturally translate into celebrations until the constructs establishing it, are also ensured to be without prejudice.
Ouch, did I say too much? Rejoice in this much-in-love couple from that land then.
Ouch, did I say too much? Rejoice in this much-in-love couple from that land then.
September 9, 2023
- قصة قصيرة، يتخيل الكاتب مجتمعًا يضحي بالحرية من أجل المساواة! يقوم هذا النظام برتق الفوارق بين الناس بتقليل نسبة الذكاء، القوة، الجمال ... الى أدنى قاسم مشترك. هذه الفرضية لا يمكن ان تستثمر الا ضد النظام الشيوعي (او الاشتراكي) لكن حتى الأفكار الشيوعية الداعية الى توزيع متساوي للثروة والعدالة بموجب القانون لا تنحدر الى هذا الدرك من الإستنزاف للحرية.
- حينما تسأل هايزل جورج لماذا لا ينزع الكيس عنه، فيجاوبها:
"If I tried to get away with it," said George, "then other people'd get away with it-and pretty soon we'd be right back to the dark ages again, with everybody competing against everybody else. You wouldn't like that, would you?"
(بمعنى انه اذا قام بذلك فسيعودون الى "العصور المظلمة" حيث الجميع ينافس الجميع!) وهذا لا يمكن ان يُقرأ الا في خضم الصراع الليبرالي - الشيوعي إبان الحرب الباردة وما هذه القصة الا للسخرية.
- حينما تسأل هايزل جورج لماذا لا ينزع الكيس عنه، فيجاوبها:
"If I tried to get away with it," said George, "then other people'd get away with it-and pretty soon we'd be right back to the dark ages again, with everybody competing against everybody else. You wouldn't like that, would you?"
(بمعنى انه اذا قام بذلك فسيعودون الى "العصور المظلمة" حيث الجميع ينافس الجميع!) وهذا لا يمكن ان يُقرأ الا في خضم الصراع الليبرالي - الشيوعي إبان الحرب الباردة وما هذه القصة الا للسخرية.
September 18, 2017
Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut is a short fiction dystopian vision that leaves the reader thinking long after the short prose is over.
One of the great things about Vonnegut’s short fiction is that he is able to tightly wind a story and never meanders off on tangent (even though those wanderings are often entertaining in his novels). Bergereon is the alpha male amidst a society of forced mediocrity.
Best line in the story, when asked if he would be a good whatever, the answer, “as good as anyone else”.
One of the great things about Vonnegut’s short fiction is that he is able to tightly wind a story and never meanders off on tangent (even though those wanderings are often entertaining in his novels). Bergereon is the alpha male amidst a society of forced mediocrity.
Best line in the story, when asked if he would be a good whatever, the answer, “as good as anyone else”.
April 30, 2021
It was sort of weird reading this in 2021 as being that I think I read this in 2014 or 2015 for an English class. It's interesting how my perspective on this story changed. I truly thought the story would be a utopia based on the first paragraph but I quickly came to see that this was a much darker story than I initially thought. This story tries to make equality for everyone by somewhat punishing and forcing handicaps onto those who are prettier, smarter, or have a better physical ability than other people in their society. It's a thought provoking story with a unique world but I didn't find it to be the best short story I've read or anything like that.
May 9, 2020
Harrison Bergeron is a heartbreaking and eye opening story showing that dangers of a completely equal society. Equality is important in the eyes of the law. However, being different than the rest is the key staple in human life.
April 3, 2012
Damn you Vonnegut!!
All these years you let me think that 1984 is one of it's kind.
For god knows how long have I felt awed by the world Orwell imagined 1984 to be.
And here comes a SOB who writes stories which take hardly 5 minutes to read and leaves the reader scarred for life. In spite of the dominance of Orwell and presence of Fahrenheit 451 on the similar lines, Vonnegut is able to deliver the message safely and eloquently.
The story is set in the future when 'Equality' is the norm and 'Competition' in any sense is firmly punished. People are forced to wear masks to cultivate equality among the ugly and the beautiful. A boy named Harrison who is superior to all others decides to flaunt it. The story gravely shows the dilemma and confusion of his parents who have lived in this world for too long to take notice.
You can read the story here
Here is a better story from the same author 2BR02B
If anyone has the desire to read something good on the same lines of creation of an utopian egalitarian society, then my recommendation is The Valley of Masks
All these years you let me think that 1984 is one of it's kind.
For god knows how long have I felt awed by the world Orwell imagined 1984 to be.
And here comes a SOB who writes stories which take hardly 5 minutes to read and leaves the reader scarred for life. In spite of the dominance of Orwell and presence of Fahrenheit 451 on the similar lines, Vonnegut is able to deliver the message safely and eloquently.
The story is set in the future when 'Equality' is the norm and 'Competition' in any sense is firmly punished. People are forced to wear masks to cultivate equality among the ugly and the beautiful. A boy named Harrison who is superior to all others decides to flaunt it. The story gravely shows the dilemma and confusion of his parents who have lived in this world for too long to take notice.
You can read the story here
Here is a better story from the same author 2BR02B
If anyone has the desire to read something good on the same lines of creation of an utopian egalitarian society, then my recommendation is The Valley of Masks
February 23, 2016
Eerily brilliant short story.
The story is about an imaginary world, where everyone is forced to be equal, in every conceivable way, often through the use of handicaps. Handicaps are ways by which excellence is brought down to mediocrity, and voilà, people are equal.
Stories like this truly scare me, not merely because of the unimaginable horrors it portrays but mostly because in a world that is so full of competition, what if people were to get tired of it and deem mediocrity to be the rule of law? Worth pondering and downright scary, right?
I value my freedom too much and this book has just brought to light, just how free we are today in the world we live in. Our world, with all its faults and misgivings, is still a free one compared to the world described in this story. A world where parents don't even have access to the basic emotions or knowledge to mourn the death of their son!
Words said by Milton, eons ago, despite being completely out of context in this regard come to my mind.. "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven"... I use this quote very loosely here, to mean that, it is better to live in a world where everyone is not equal than to live in one where everyone is forced to be an equal by taking drastic measures to bring down excellence rather than raise the mediocre and especially where this equality is brought about without any care for their personal needs. That is truly a dreadful state to live in, at least in my honest and humble opinion!
The story is about an imaginary world, where everyone is forced to be equal, in every conceivable way, often through the use of handicaps. Handicaps are ways by which excellence is brought down to mediocrity, and voilà, people are equal.
Stories like this truly scare me, not merely because of the unimaginable horrors it portrays but mostly because in a world that is so full of competition, what if people were to get tired of it and deem mediocrity to be the rule of law? Worth pondering and downright scary, right?
I value my freedom too much and this book has just brought to light, just how free we are today in the world we live in. Our world, with all its faults and misgivings, is still a free one compared to the world described in this story. A world where parents don't even have access to the basic emotions or knowledge to mourn the death of their son!
Words said by Milton, eons ago, despite being completely out of context in this regard come to my mind.. "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven"... I use this quote very loosely here, to mean that, it is better to live in a world where everyone is not equal than to live in one where everyone is forced to be an equal by taking drastic measures to bring down excellence rather than raise the mediocre and especially where this equality is brought about without any care for their personal needs. That is truly a dreadful state to live in, at least in my honest and humble opinion!
March 22, 2025
A good balance of funny, silly, and sad, from Vonnegut’s pen, adds up to something thought-provoking, in a few short pages.
This was written in 1961, and set in 2081.
“Everybody was finally equal… Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else.”
If you think that sounds blissful, consider:
“All this equality was due to… the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.”
Beautiful people are permanently masked. Ballerinas and athletes are weighted with bags of birdshot and even armour. TV announcers are unintelligible because of speech impediments, whether real or feigned. And clever people are legally required to wear a “mental handicap radio” at all times, which sends random sharp noises every twenty seconds or so to stop them “taking unfair advantage of their brains”.
Image: Harrison and a ballerina (Source)
People submit, because, apart from prison and fines:
“If I tried to get away with [removing] it… then other people’d get away with it - and pretty soon we’d be right back to the dark ages again.”
Except, of course, someone wants to change things.
You can read this story HERE.
This was written in 1961, and set in 2081.
“Everybody was finally equal… Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else.”
If you think that sounds blissful, consider:
“All this equality was due to… the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.”
Beautiful people are permanently masked. Ballerinas and athletes are weighted with bags of birdshot and even armour. TV announcers are unintelligible because of speech impediments, whether real or feigned. And clever people are legally required to wear a “mental handicap radio” at all times, which sends random sharp noises every twenty seconds or so to stop them “taking unfair advantage of their brains”.
Image: Harrison and a ballerina (Source)
People submit, because, apart from prison and fines:
“If I tried to get away with [removing] it… then other people’d get away with it - and pretty soon we’d be right back to the dark ages again.”
Except, of course, someone wants to change things.
You can read this story HERE.
January 23, 2020
Well
Well
Well
What can I say, other than, "that was a doozie?"
**sigh**
This little ol' story made me feel in a way I didn't think possible in so few of words. On the outset, I really wish to believe that I came into this story truly unknowing of what level of freedoms I had in my (United States) society, but now, I am questioning that. For science fiction, the story seems so fantastically real, even with it's silly suggestions of weights, government ear plugs, and face masks to make all "equal" in to all others. Is that really it? Is this what makes a person equal? To give weight and equalize everyone to mediocrity?
And OH MY GOSH, the end? When the parents simply forget the outcry their son managed to achieve? A few moments of freedom, knowing very well, the found love and minute romance shared would really only be that -- a minute?
Seemed all worth it. Legit... but it still makes me quite sad, this glimpse into an alternate universe. I want to know more.
Well
Well
What can I say, other than, "that was a doozie?"
**sigh**
This little ol' story made me feel in a way I didn't think possible in so few of words. On the outset, I really wish to believe that I came into this story truly unknowing of what level of freedoms I had in my (United States) society, but now, I am questioning that. For science fiction, the story seems so fantastically real, even with it's silly suggestions of weights, government ear plugs, and face masks to make all "equal" in to all others. Is that really it? Is this what makes a person equal? To give weight and equalize everyone to mediocrity?
And OH MY GOSH, the end? When the parents simply forget the outcry their son managed to achieve? A few moments of freedom, knowing very well, the found love and minute romance shared would really only be that -- a minute?
Seemed all worth it. Legit... but it still makes me quite sad, this glimpse into an alternate universe. I want to know more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2021
~ 3 stars ~
This was an good read. It was thought provoking, so I think it accomplished what it set out to do. This takes place in a futuristic society where everyone is equal, or are they? And what does it truly mean to be "equal" ?
This was an good read. It was thought provoking, so I think it accomplished what it set out to do. This takes place in a futuristic society where everyone is equal, or are they? And what does it truly mean to be "equal" ?
May 11, 2021
❛The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal.❜
This was a very interesting short story. Despite the fact that the story is set in a dystopian world, I really enjoyed reading it. I seriously love reading dystopian fiction, schadenfreude at its finest!
The first sentence of the story proclaims that everybody is equal—but as I continued to read on, it quickly became apparent that this “equality” the narrator goes on about could not be further from the truth.
In the world of Harrison Bergeron, equality is enforced by the Handicapper General and her agents. So in reality everybody isn’t equal at all, because the very existence of the General undermines the whole idea of equality. How can everybody be equal when she possesses power and authority over everyone else?
The whole system collapses in on itself if you think about it for even a single moment, which is most likely why the inhabitants of this dystopian world are prevented from thinking intelligent thoughts..
OVERALLKurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron pokes fun at those who seek to achieve absolute equality. Utopias do not exist, try hard enough to forcefully create one and you might just end up with a dystopia..
This entire story reminded me of the most famous quote from Animal Farm:
❛All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.❜
May 9, 2021
4 stars
These short stories that my book club has been picking out have been really good! Right now we are kind of in an apocalyptic phase, but I can't say I'm complaining!
Harrison Bergeron is a short story about a society where everyone is equal: mediocre. It is bleak and written in a matter-of-fact sort of language. Stories like these remind me to cherish peoples' differences.
It takes all of five minutes to read and I think it is totally worth it.
These short stories that my book club has been picking out have been really good! Right now we are kind of in an apocalyptic phase, but I can't say I'm complaining!
Harrison Bergeron is a short story about a society where everyone is equal: mediocre. It is bleak and written in a matter-of-fact sort of language. Stories like these remind me to cherish peoples' differences.
It takes all of five minutes to read and I think it is totally worth it.
June 11, 2020
Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" -- which I hereby nominate for Best SF Short-short Ever. And the *only* SF story ever to grace the op-ed page of the Wall Street Journal!
Do reread it if its been awhile. And if you somehow missed it: one of Vonnegut's best. Hell, one of English literature's best. Hot stuff.
"It was then that Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, came into the studio with a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun. ..."
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/harri... -- also available there in French, Hindi, & Urdu translations!
Do reread it if its been awhile. And if you somehow missed it: one of Vonnegut's best. Hell, one of English literature's best. Hot stuff.
"It was then that Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, came into the studio with a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun. ..."
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/harri... -- also available there in French, Hindi, & Urdu translations!
March 6, 2021
One of those clever stories by Vonnegut that takes only a short time to read but makes you think. In this future everyone is equal and kept equal by the “handicapper general” who makes sure nobody is smarter than the dumbest person, no one is more beautiful or stronger etc etc. Of course this all fails if there’s no one smart enough to keep the place running! And I also wonder how race comes into it...
But anyway I did enjoy it and I think my favourite part was the handicappers name Diana Moon Glampers!
But anyway I did enjoy it and I think my favourite part was the handicappers name Diana Moon Glampers!
October 29, 2018
قصة قصيرة لطيفة. وهي من نوع الديستوبيا
عرفت عنها من كتاب العدالة : ما الجدير ان يعمل به؟
للكاتب مايكل ساندل
فقررت أن أترجمها والترجمة جاهزة الآن وتقع في 8 صفحات فقط ولكنها تستحق القراء
عرفت عنها من كتاب العدالة : ما الجدير ان يعمل به؟
للكاتب مايكل ساندل
فقررت أن أترجمها والترجمة جاهزة الآن وتقع في 8 صفحات فقط ولكنها تستحق القراء
August 20, 2025
Running a society based on a social and genetic lottery is a stupid idea, but we don’t seem to posses the practical or moral know-how to do otherwise. All part of the evolution of our economic morality.
* Right-Libertarianism (anarcho-capitalism): Success under this system would be a matter of luck and power, not talent. Being unregulated, a libertarian society would fester into corporate feudalism, complete with cartels, private police, etc.
Every day we forgo some freedoms in order to safeguard other, more important freedoms. We give up the freedom to pee in the water supply in exchange for urine-free water. By contrast, right-libertarianism rewards and empowers those who want to drink piss.
* Meritocracy: Even if we could actually reward effort based solely on merit, a meritocracy would still rely on some sort of genetic or environmental lottery and a veritable flood of nepo babies. Clearly not the paradigm of morality.
* Rawlsianism: probably the most practicable way to produce a fair society, given the principle that all socioeconomic decisions must benefit the least well off.
Personally, though, I’m rooting for a post-scarcity socialist anarchist utopia.
* Right-Libertarianism (anarcho-capitalism): Success under this system would be a matter of luck and power, not talent. Being unregulated, a libertarian society would fester into corporate feudalism, complete with cartels, private police, etc.
Every day we forgo some freedoms in order to safeguard other, more important freedoms. We give up the freedom to pee in the water supply in exchange for urine-free water. By contrast, right-libertarianism rewards and empowers those who want to drink piss.
* Meritocracy: Even if we could actually reward effort based solely on merit, a meritocracy would still rely on some sort of genetic or environmental lottery and a veritable flood of nepo babies. Clearly not the paradigm of morality.
* Rawlsianism: probably the most practicable way to produce a fair society, given the principle that all socioeconomic decisions must benefit the least well off.
Personally, though, I’m rooting for a post-scarcity socialist anarchist utopia.
April 27, 2022
"’I am the Emperor!’ cried Harrison. ‘Do you hear? I am the Emperor! Everybody must do what I say at once!’ He stamped his foot and the studio shook."
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
⇢Thoughts
I think this story becomes more disturbing the more times you read it. This is my third read of Harrison Bergeron, and its meaning has certainly changed for me. Maybe it’s because it’s easier to understand the less obvious messages as you grow older?
This story is incredibly interesting, and has so many meanings and interpretations that your head will be spinning trying to figure them all out. I love the commentary on individuality and the difference between equality and equity. And despite being named after Harrison, I think that his parents George and Hazel stick out as the characters that are the most fun to analyse. I wish there was more of an ending, because I’d love to know what happens to the characters!
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
my carrd ❦
BOOKISH PRODUCTS: USE MY CODE JAZ10 ❦
BOOKMARKS, BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK ETC: USE MY CODE JAZ10 ❦
BOOKMARKS AND CANDLES: USE MY CODE JAZ10 ❦
November 30, 2018
"إنه عام 2081، وأخيراً الجميع متساوون. ليس الجميع متساوون أمام الله والقانون فحسب، بل إنهم متساوون في كل شيء؛ فلا أحد أذكى من أحد، ولا أحد أجمل من أحد، ولا أحد أقوى أو أسرع من أحد."
دوستوبيا من نوع آخر. الجميع متساوون، لا مكان للذكاء، لا مكان للجمال، لا مكان للحب، لا مكان للتميّز. بئس هذه المساواة المخيفة.
نلاحظ مرة أخرى بأن الحُب يشكّل صفعة قوية في وجه الأنظمة القمعية.
قصة مخيفة حقاً!.
كل الشكر والتقدير والحب للمترجم أحمد شاهين الذي قام بترجمة وتوفير هذه القصة للقراء بلا مقابل.
January 22, 2016
Chilling.
I keep thinking of all the handicaps we are saddled with by society. The worse, the kicking yourself in the ass bit, is that most of the handicaps are there by our own choice, albeit unconciously. Society is devious like that.
June 23, 2020
So clever - the message is the same as Solzhenitsyn's - 'if you are free you are not equal, if you are equal you are not free' - but Vonnegut's version is a lot funnier!
May 13, 2023
Tolerance will reach such a level that intelligent people will be banned from thinking so as not to offend the imbeciles.
This remark is often ascribed to Dostoevsky but, in fact, I have never seen any reliable reference as to its authenticity yet. Still, it would be nice, had he said this. What actually happened in Germany, however, was that a mother of a not too sporty pupil wanted the Bundesjugendspiele, an annual sports competition at elementary schools, to be abolished because of its competitiveness. Some children are not as quick or cannot jump as far as others, and that’s not fair, as the mother thought. Would she have thought so if her son had been more of an athlete? Probably not. And, by the way, some students are better at maths than others – so why not get rid of maths at school to spare kids the necessity of comparing themselves with others?
In his short story Harrison Bergeron, Kurt Vonnegut describes a society in which equality in all respects has become a basic right that is enforced by the state: Good-looking people have to wear hideous masks, athletic citizens are obliged to carry weights and scrap metal on their bodies, and above-intelligence people wear a certain device that hampers their concentration by blasting discordant noise into their ears every 20 seconds. This way, the unfairness of life, which simply does not mete out talents equally to everyone, is made up for by careful human planning and egalitarian legislation.
The problem, however, is that levelling is easier to pursue downwards than upwards, and that is often what we can see in real life as well: We need more children to graduate on higher educational levels? Why bother with trying to make them understand that if you want to achieve something, you’ll have to pull up your socks from time to time or with giving them adequate help that considers their deficits, when you can simply lower the requirements for a school leaving certificate? Another interesting detail in Harrison Bergeron is the fact that those in charge of society will probably not wear devices that impair their thinking or the freedom of their limbs because after all, they need their faculties in order to run society properly. A politician is like a doctor who prescribes medicine he would never take himself.
Ironically, in Vonnegut’s short story, inequality is also prevalent on another level: If strong people have to carry weights with them or clever people are tied to that device behind their ear that disturbs their concentration, then everyone can notice, from the very existence of these artificial handicaps, that they are actually superior in some way to the average person. Therefore, the less-gifted are constantly reminded of the existence of differences even though society as a whole can no longer profit from the talents that are pursued and kept down.
A fascinating but also chilling story.
This remark is often ascribed to Dostoevsky but, in fact, I have never seen any reliable reference as to its authenticity yet. Still, it would be nice, had he said this. What actually happened in Germany, however, was that a mother of a not too sporty pupil wanted the Bundesjugendspiele, an annual sports competition at elementary schools, to be abolished because of its competitiveness. Some children are not as quick or cannot jump as far as others, and that’s not fair, as the mother thought. Would she have thought so if her son had been more of an athlete? Probably not. And, by the way, some students are better at maths than others – so why not get rid of maths at school to spare kids the necessity of comparing themselves with others?
In his short story Harrison Bergeron, Kurt Vonnegut describes a society in which equality in all respects has become a basic right that is enforced by the state: Good-looking people have to wear hideous masks, athletic citizens are obliged to carry weights and scrap metal on their bodies, and above-intelligence people wear a certain device that hampers their concentration by blasting discordant noise into their ears every 20 seconds. This way, the unfairness of life, which simply does not mete out talents equally to everyone, is made up for by careful human planning and egalitarian legislation.
The problem, however, is that levelling is easier to pursue downwards than upwards, and that is often what we can see in real life as well: We need more children to graduate on higher educational levels? Why bother with trying to make them understand that if you want to achieve something, you’ll have to pull up your socks from time to time or with giving them adequate help that considers their deficits, when you can simply lower the requirements for a school leaving certificate? Another interesting detail in Harrison Bergeron is the fact that those in charge of society will probably not wear devices that impair their thinking or the freedom of their limbs because after all, they need their faculties in order to run society properly. A politician is like a doctor who prescribes medicine he would never take himself.
Ironically, in Vonnegut’s short story, inequality is also prevalent on another level: If strong people have to carry weights with them or clever people are tied to that device behind their ear that disturbs their concentration, then everyone can notice, from the very existence of these artificial handicaps, that they are actually superior in some way to the average person. Therefore, the less-gifted are constantly reminded of the existence of differences even though society as a whole can no longer profit from the talents that are pursued and kept down.
A fascinating but also chilling story.
April 24, 2025
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December 29, 2020
Fascinating short story I just read. Quite disturbing, but worth a look. A 5 or 6 minute read, thanks Carol! Here it is http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/harri...
August 21, 2022
Vonnegut gives us this ridiculous dystopia that bears no relation to any political project proposed by anyone. It fails utterly as a political satire, which far outweighs whatever literary merit it has.
October 17, 2021
A short story that goes ahead in the future with new rules and amendments, it's a worthy read.
May 20, 2022
A warning to our present world about "equality."
August 29, 2025
From Sam 💗
March 15, 2014
A great short story with multiple layers - I feel like discussing this during my freshman year of high school and my freshman year of college would leave me with two different interpretations. Is Vonnegut satirizing egalitarian society? Is he satirizing satire? He infuses the story with clever and ironic descriptions to show its depth in subtle ways. Highly recommended for anyone searching for a solid story that will take only a few minutes to read but will leave you with several days worth of thought.
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