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A review by acsaper
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
3.0
So I'm not sure I get it. I was excited to read the book because it is so heavily cited and relied upon in Neil Postman's 'Amusing Ourselves to Death,' a book I thoroughly enjoyed. Now having dead both, I'm inclined to say that I found Postman's interpretation of Huxley much more interesting than the book itself.
So, Huxley presents a world covered by science, by rationalization and civilization - where feelings are allowed but controlled such that passions are unthinkable. Classes of children are produced and raised for a maximally consuming and producing society - complete efficiency with each in their place and each to placated to care.
And incomes soma. The mind numbing drug that seems to be the back bone of the brave new world. Through daily doses and encouraged self medication, no one ever thinks too hard or cares too much. A foreshadowing to the overmedicalizarion of society that seems unquestionably on point. Yet still, I think there is undoubtedly stacks of social commentary here that I'm missing.
The story itself was interesting but left me wanting more from the characters and more from the world itself. Why exactly is it as it is, how did it come about, what truly is so strange about the savage and why is he really so uncomfortable? And, what is it that he really want?
Questions that some will likely find the answers to within the pages of the book but that I simply happened to miss. So, if you ever want to fill me in, I'd be happy to hear, thanks!
So, Huxley presents a world covered by science, by rationalization and civilization - where feelings are allowed but controlled such that passions are unthinkable. Classes of children are produced and raised for a maximally consuming and producing society - complete efficiency with each in their place and each to placated to care.
And incomes soma. The mind numbing drug that seems to be the back bone of the brave new world. Through daily doses and encouraged self medication, no one ever thinks too hard or cares too much. A foreshadowing to the overmedicalizarion of society that seems unquestionably on point. Yet still, I think there is undoubtedly stacks of social commentary here that I'm missing.
The story itself was interesting but left me wanting more from the characters and more from the world itself. Why exactly is it as it is, how did it come about, what truly is so strange about the savage and why is he really so uncomfortable? And, what is it that he really want?
Questions that some will likely find the answers to within the pages of the book but that I simply happened to miss. So, if you ever want to fill me in, I'd be happy to hear, thanks!