Brave New World

It is always rewarding when a "Classic" science fiction story holds up as a Masterpiece. A Brave New World is still valid and as sharp a vision of society as it was nearly 91 years ago when it was written. Huxley delivers a well built, detailed, dystopian world of the future. In doing so, he covers a wide collection of themes. Years ahead of DNA breakthroughs, his use of embryo modification to suite society's requirements is particularly interesting when compared to today's scientific capabilities in regards to genetic manipulation. The social conditioning, rigidly designed caste system and the willing sacrifice of individual rights in the name of stability serve as sharp warning as our world again endures the rise of "strong man" led governments. The masses' distractions, as well as the contrast between hedonistic and repressive religious morals was excellent, especially it's impact on John the Savage. In this world, almost everyone seemed happy, or could easily ensure they were. "And if ever, by some unlucky chance, anything unpleasant should somehow happen, why, there's always soma to give you a holiday from the facts. And there's always soma to calm your anger, to reconcile you to your enemies, to make you patient and long-suffering." I rooted for Bernard and Hemholtz to break out of their conditioning and was frustrated by how passive Lenina was in accepting her life. That said, it almost seems selfish for anyone to seek out a miserable "individuality" in a society without war and one that does all it can to ensure your happiness and satisfaction in life.

It was clear Huxley was demonstrating how seductive stability is and how easily oppression could be administered via a velvet glove in the West. However, I didn't feel as if Huxley was passing judgment or pushing any distinct ideology in any of it. In many ways, the reader is left to come to their own conclusions and takeaways. There is so much to think about during and after reading this book. It will peculate in my thoughts for a long time.