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Brave New World: More Than a Dystopian Vision
I read Brave New World a couple of times, many years ago, but thought it was worth returning to it. I listened to the audio version on Audible, narrated by Michael York. What I came away with was a reminder that Aldous Huxley was doing more than simply warning us about a materialistic, techno-worshipping dystopia. He was also invoking a theme familiar to his work, both fiction and nonfiction: that all extremes are flawed and we need balance.
Along with 1984, Brave New World is frequently cited as the most prophetic dystopian novel of all time. One of the key difference between 1984 and Brave New World is that the former is grim from start to finish while the latter is a satire (though a dark one). From the characters’ names to the farcical interactions, it conveys a very serious message in an often lighthearted style.
Whereas Orwell’s novel conveys the brutality of a totalitarian regime, Huxley reveals the dangers of relying on science and technology to solve all our problems. He also exposes the perils of unadulterated hedonism.
Brave New World has many layers. The problem with a book that’s so often quoted and referenced is that it becomes such a symbol or meme that it’s easy to overlook many of its finer points.
