yumirnaito's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
catherin9's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this is like partaking in a philosophical thought exercise, a long winding conversation exploring idealistic what if's. What would society look like if our goal was to raise good humans, not power or money? Eerily, Huxley's commentary and critiques on Western culture in 1962 ring true today, if not more so. He theorizes that social reform and public health are necessary for general enlightenment, and thus focuses on self awareness, moderation, and mental health, drawing heavily from Eastern philosophies as a foil to Western vices. "We cannot reason ourselves out of our basic irrationality. All we can do is learn the art of being irrational in a reasonable way".
His deep understanding and intellectualization of society make this a thought provoking and fascinating read. I enjoyed the mental stretches this book asks of readers, following his logic to imaginative concepts like the mynah birds, communal family groups, positive Pavlov conditioning, psychological first aid -- the list goes on and on. While most are idealistic, many are fantastical, and some questionable, Huxley provided me a much needed alternative to the trends of today, and some interesting ideas to ponder.
His deep understanding and intellectualization of society make this a thought provoking and fascinating read. I enjoyed the mental stretches this book asks of readers, following his logic to imaginative concepts like the mynah birds, communal family groups, positive Pavlov conditioning, psychological first aid -- the list goes on and on. While most are idealistic, many are fantastical, and some questionable, Huxley provided me a much needed alternative to the trends of today, and some interesting ideas to ponder.
catherin9's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this is a philosophical thought exercise, a long winding conversation exploring idealistic what if's. What would society look like if our goal was to raise good humans, not power or money? Huxley's commentary and critiques on Western culture in 1962 ring true today, if not more so. He theorizes that social reform and public health are necessary for general enlightenment, and thus focuses on self awareness, moderation, and mental health, drawing heavily from Eastern philosophies as a foil to Western vices. "We cannot reason ourselves out of our basic irrationality. All we can do is learn the art of being irrational in a reasonable way".
His deep understanding and intellectualization of society make this a thought provoking and fascinating read. I enjoyed the mental stretches this book asks of readers, following his logic to imaginative concepts like the mynah birds, communal family groups, positive Pavlov conditioning, psychological first aid -- the list goes on and on. While most are idealistic, many are fantastical, and some questionable, Huxley provided me a much needed alternative to the trends of today, and some interesting ideas to ponder.
His deep understanding and intellectualization of society make this a thought provoking and fascinating read. I enjoyed the mental stretches this book asks of readers, following his logic to imaginative concepts like the mynah birds, communal family groups, positive Pavlov conditioning, psychological first aid -- the list goes on and on. While most are idealistic, many are fantastical, and some questionable, Huxley provided me a much needed alternative to the trends of today, and some interesting ideas to ponder.
glenmowrer's review against another edition
1.0
What is it that compels authors to end their careers preaching to the masses? This boring and tendentious piece of propaganda should never be mistaken for an act of fiction or competent literature. The author awkwardly creates an imaginary paradise into which he is conveniently transported so as to lay out his vision of a better (if not in fact perfected) society. He threatens that utopian world with the intrusion of materialistic "Western" commercial values which clearly are unenlightened, self-serving and destructive. At the same time internal forces promising "moral reform" are ominously hovering over all. I could not bear with the author to see how this thin plot evolves but it is clear that the purpose of this effort is to recommend the adoption of his interpretation of Tantric philosophy which seems to be based on the individual removing bad vibes from their mind by clearing it of wrong things.* This "philosophy" reeks of L. Ron Hubbard and Ayn Rand. It is a clumsy effort which I did not, as noted, have the patience to complete.
*Notable also is Huxley's apparent quarrel with Freudian analysis and Freud (the man with the cigar) on a seemingly personal level. One is tempted to take this fixation as some sort clue that Huxley might have benefited from a session or two on the couch.
*Notable also is Huxley's apparent quarrel with Freudian analysis and Freud (the man with the cigar) on a seemingly personal level. One is tempted to take this fixation as some sort clue that Huxley might have benefited from a session or two on the couch.
amonymity's review against another edition
i'm so bored and everything is just too dull. it just seems that huxley is trying to preach his views... and failing miserably. its also very stereotypical. i was excited to read but it hasn't piqued my interest, just put me to sleep.
diana_eveline's review against another edition
3.0
“Which is better - to be born stupid into an intelligent society or intelligent into an insane one?”
Will Farnaby washes up on the shore of the Island Pala after his boat is shipwrecked. The Island is unlike anything Will has ever encountered before. Spirituality and the celebration of discovering the self is a the centre of the thriving philosphy of the people of Pala. That said, the Island is under threat from multiple sides as oppressive powers from foreign countries want to make use of its rich resources. Though Will first turns away from their spiritual ways and sees his time with the Islanders as a way to make a beneficial deal for himself, he slowly begins to understand the tragedy of Pala's rarity.
It very quickly becomes clear that Huxley is heavily criticizing the consumerist-oriented west and their lack of priorities geared towards spiritualism and individual development and progress. He has built a utopia, both in thought as in the set up of larger structures that regulate the society. Parents share their children and grandparents with other families, all the inhabitants are family in a way and straying from your home to potentially return with a renewed sense of self is not only allowed but encouraged. Children are taught foundations of thought in school, instead of being forced to accept set rules. It is all about experience, be it collective or individual. They also make use of a drug that elevates thinking and supports the soul in itself. Considering Huxley experimented with drugs and often explained the experience as moments of enlightenment, it is no surprise to see that element come back in his utopia.
The premise is fascinating, watching the capitalist-consumerist West crawling nearer, ready to jump at exploiting Pala in ways that would only make matters worse for themselves. And meanwhile, the people of Pala live on in peace having found inner peace and a healthy way of life. Of course this is too good to be true and it is destroyed. All that said, the book is very messy and downright vague at times. In the introduction, Huxley himself also admits he may have gone too far to the surrealism-side at times and I agree. It might have been the effect of the drugs.
In conclusion, it is a good book. But to really appreciate it, you need to be willing to push past a lot of white noise and rambling and talk or write about what is happening and what it means. I read this book with my younger brother and that helped me get things in order. I might even say it was quite essential to wrapping my head around it.
Will Farnaby washes up on the shore of the Island Pala after his boat is shipwrecked. The Island is unlike anything Will has ever encountered before. Spirituality and the celebration of discovering the self is a the centre of the thriving philosphy of the people of Pala. That said, the Island is under threat from multiple sides as oppressive powers from foreign countries want to make use of its rich resources. Though Will first turns away from their spiritual ways and sees his time with the Islanders as a way to make a beneficial deal for himself, he slowly begins to understand the tragedy of Pala's rarity.
It very quickly becomes clear that Huxley is heavily criticizing the consumerist-oriented west and their lack of priorities geared towards spiritualism and individual development and progress. He has built a utopia, both in thought as in the set up of larger structures that regulate the society. Parents share their children and grandparents with other families, all the inhabitants are family in a way and straying from your home to potentially return with a renewed sense of self is not only allowed but encouraged. Children are taught foundations of thought in school, instead of being forced to accept set rules. It is all about experience, be it collective or individual. They also make use of a drug that elevates thinking and supports the soul in itself. Considering Huxley experimented with drugs and often explained the experience as moments of enlightenment, it is no surprise to see that element come back in his utopia.
The premise is fascinating, watching the capitalist-consumerist West crawling nearer, ready to jump at exploiting Pala in ways that would only make matters worse for themselves. And meanwhile, the people of Pala live on in peace having found inner peace and a healthy way of life. Of course this is too good to be true and it is destroyed. All that said, the book is very messy and downright vague at times. In the introduction, Huxley himself also admits he may have gone too far to the surrealism-side at times and I agree. It might have been the effect of the drugs.
In conclusion, it is a good book. But to really appreciate it, you need to be willing to push past a lot of white noise and rambling and talk or write about what is happening and what it means. I read this book with my younger brother and that helped me get things in order. I might even say it was quite essential to wrapping my head around it.
lilycatherinex's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
doina23's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0