Brave New World Reprint Edition

Would a future totalitarian society be all that bad if every single person - from the day they were born - was truly happy with their lot in life? That is the question Brave New World asks, and Aldous Huxley leaves it up to the reader to decide the answer.I've re-read this book several times and each time I'm glad I did. That is because it is an enjoyable story, first and foremost. The characters have sufficient depth, the locales are peculiar and attention-grabbing, and the underlying message is enough to make you stop and think.Brave New World revolves around three main characters. First, there's Bernard Marx, an elite "Alpha Plus" who is uncertain about how he fits into society. Then, there is Mustapha Mond, the World Controller for Western Europe, a man who reads The Holy Bible and Shakespeare, despite his society's ban on these "pornographic books". Finally, we have John (named John Savage when he visits Bernard's world), the son of two World State citizens raised in the remote hostility of a Savage Reservation. The interactions and thoughts of these three characters forms the skeleton of the book, and it is through their eyes that we view the World State of the future. The reader learns about how babies are "decanted" in the future, how they are bred and conditioned for their role in society, how entertainment plays a role in keeping them happy, and how unhappiness can be quickly whisked away by a gramme of Soma, a powerful drug that has no debilitating side-effects. Of course, it would be easy for the author to jab his finger at you from the pages and scream "SEE?!? SEE?!?! See what a society without freedom looks like? Isn't it horrible?", but he doesn't. In fact, the world of Year of Our Ford 632 doesn't seem so bad at all when you consider disease, war, and unhappiness have all been snuffed out of existence.But at what cost?Midway through the book, we meet John. Biologically, a son of the World State, but philosophically a student of the old religions and old literature of the old world. But don't misunderstand. John is not necessarily the book's "everyman". Many of his emotions and actions (like self-flagellation) are still foreign to a modern reader. Bernard - who has at this point accepted that he is "different" compared to his fellow World State-ers - brings John to his home to show him off to his peers. Naturally, many aspects of the World State are appalling to John, and this conflict continues all the way to the book's conclusion.Something I found remarkable is that the author, Huxley, gives us plenty of chances to sympathize with many of the various characters. Bernard Marx is not the "good guy" nor the "bad guy". In another story, the World Controller Mond might have been the evil villain trying to destroy any freedom, and John Savage might have been the passionate hero who wins the pretty girl and ultimately brings that freedom to society. But none of this occurs. The characters in Brave New World are just people, thrust into a world of perfect happiness and perfect harmony, and they each react in their own way. Sure, it's cute to see how the author envisioned the future, and perhaps a bit scary to see some of his "predictions" coming true, but that isn't what makes this book great. What makes it great is that it allows the reader to come to his/her own conclusions. To you, perhaps the World State seems terrifying, or maybe it seems like a nice place to live. To you, perhaps John Savage is the hero, or perhaps the logic and compassion in Mustapha Mond's final words and final actions resonate with you more. Maybe you can relate best to Bernard Marx's flawed personality. I suppose the choice is really yours, because Huxley doesn't make that choice for you.A lot of people say that the story is about entertainment media taking over our society, or about drugs, or about a controlling government, or about morality. I don't think Huxley intended the book to be exclusively about any one of those things, although of course the book makes a statement about them all. As stated above, Brave New World lets you draw your own conclusions about the World State instead of trying to grab you by the collar while screaming "SEE?!? SEE?!? See how horrible a world full of drugs and genetic manipulation would be?"Now, I rate this book a full 5 stars, but here is the "but..." of the review. For the majority of the book, we are treated to a fascinating romp through future science, future sociology, and future beliefs. However, toward the end of the book, John and Mustapha Mond engage in a very lengthy conversation about society and morals and God. To me, I really enjoyed this part. It was a great answer to my lingering question of "Why did society become this way?". To others, it might come off as a preachy, show-offy exposition from Huxley's own heart. Mustapha makes a point about human psychology, and John counters with Shakespeare. Mustapah points to the World State's "happiness", and John counters with God. Mustapha talks about bliss, and John talks about struggling for joy. I enjoyed it, but you might not, especially since it breaks away from the overall pace and feel of the rest of the book.Nevertheless, this book is well worth reading. It can be finished by a diligent reader in a weekend, and it contains a lot of thought-provoking ideas that will stick with you long after the final page.

(Not really any spoilers.)I got this for my 10th grade ELA class, and despite the fact that I didn’t completely understand it, I did recognize a lot in it.Reading the book, you almost forget it’s a dystopian story because of how calm the citizens and even the narrator are about everything. It’s a super duper cool effect! I love how they try arguing about why Christianity and a fear of God and wrongness is important to one’s life. A lot of strong symbolization and even a possible symbol of a Christ figure in one of the characters.Beautiful!A lot of PG+13 and nudity content in it though. So be mindful of that.Classic work of literature, great read!

Published in 1932, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World was both a critical and commercial success. The novel can be about a future utopian or dystopian society, depending on the opinions of those who read it. I myself consider the book satirical in nature as it goes about explaining life, as it is, in a perfect society, dealing with themes such as cloning, subliminal programming, social hierarchies, drugs and social activities and conditioning.I found Huxley’s descriptions of life in a perfect world to be powerful and well thought out, with an assortment of characters that were easy to connect with, backgrounds that were mostly plausible, and enough humor to keep me turning pages, although I felt that the ending was a bit weak. No matter, it was still a good read. Technically, it’s both strong and lame. The detailing of future reproductive technology is well done; the depiction of future mass communication is truly absurd. Huxley completely missed the Atomic Age, which he later acknowledged, but hey, how many works of fiction get the future right, especially when it comes to the timeline? Almost none.My favorite character was Bernard, who went from an average placement in the sociological order, all the way up to the very top, then down to the bottom gutter in just a matter of a couple of days. Funny stuff. Four stars.

This is one of the best dystopian novels. Don't worry. I remembered to take my soma. :)

Interessante esta edição, sem nenhuma frescura hype

"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley is a thought-provoking and dystopian novel that continues to resonate with readers decades after its publication. Set in a futuristic society where conformity and stability are prioritized above all else, the novel explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement.Huxley's vision of a world governed by scientific principles and social conditioning offers a chilling critique of the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of human values. Through vivid world-building and compelling characters, he paints a haunting portrait of a society where citizens are conditioned to accept their predetermined roles and suppress their emotions and desires.One of the most striking aspects of "Brave New World" is its exploration of the intersection between technology and humanity. Huxley presents a world where technology is used not only to control and manipulate individuals but also to manufacture happiness and contentment. The pervasive use of genetic engineering, mind-altering drugs, and sensory stimulation raises important questions about the ethical implications of scientific progress and the pursuit of utopia at any cost.Despite its bleak portrayal of the future, "Brave New World" offers moments of hope and resistance through characters like Bernard Marx and John the Savage, who challenge the oppressive social order and strive to reclaim their humanity. Their struggles against the system serve as a reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit and the importance of individuality and free will.In conclusion, "Brave New World" is a timeless classic that continues to provoke thought and spark discussion about the nature of society, technology, and human nature. Its themes of conformity, control, and the search for meaning resonate as strongly today as they did when the novel was first published, making it essential reading for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human condition.

Brave New World is a challenging but rewarding read. The novel features extensive world-building and character development, which makes the story move at a slower pace. Readers should take their time to appreciate the intricate details of the new world Aldous Huxley has created. The layers of philosophy and the psychological depth of the characters add another level of complexity, making it both tough and fascinating to read. The frequent quotes from Shakespeare, especially in the later chapters, enhance the novel's beauty and intensity. My suggestion is not to rush through it; give it time, and you’ll have a unique and enriching experience.

Klassiker, måste läsas. Föregångare (?) till 1984 av George Orwell.

Do yourself a favor and read this book. Read it once, twice, three times, until you know it by heart. It's worth it.