I've always read Orwell and Huxley's books as warnings, and their private and public statements have always seemed to confirm this for me. I don't see admiration for Big Brother or the controllers in Brave New World,.
North Korea suggests Orwell was spot on. I don't of any examples of Huxley's model; western democracies suggest pleasure is addictive meaning we need ever greater doses leading to almost infinite narcissism. The ruling classes would prefer to preserve that for themselves.
Useful and timely article, Jon, thanks.
You wrote “one can argue that Huxley might have been on to something”.
However, I consider Aldous’ version of the Totalitarian Takeover long ago won the argument.
See my “cross post” of your article:
WHEN FASCISM COMES TO AMERICA IT WILL NOT BE WITH JACKBOOTS
It will be with Nike sneakers and Smiley shirts
Get free, stay safe.
I think a lot of people agree with you that Huxley's vision of dystopia was fulfilled long ago.
Elements of it exist, to be sure.
My man! Just came across your analysis and wanted to introduce mine as well around the same time! https://unorthodoxy.substack.com/p/the-brave-new-world-of-1984-part
Great research and interesting analysis.
I've always read Orwell and Huxley's books as warnings, and their private and public statements have always seemed to confirm this for me. I don't see admiration for Big Brother or the controllers in Brave New World,.
Indeed, in some of his subsequent comments, Huxley would appear to urge humans to adopt mass decentralization to avoid the dystopian future he feared. https://jjmilt.substack.com/p/aldous-huxley-on-the-one-thing-that
North Korea suggests Orwell was spot on. I don't of any examples of Huxley's model; western democracies suggest pleasure is addictive meaning we need ever greater doses leading to almost infinite narcissism. The ruling classes would prefer to preserve that for themselves.
Right. Both Orwell and Huxley were correct.
Orwell was describing a future more like North Korea. Huxley was describing one more like the USA.
"You will own nothing. And be happy by 2030." Huxley for the win.
They were both right.
Correct
Huxley’s world is much more frightening than Orwell’s, for it is self-inflicted. Who doesn’t want to be happy? Loss of freedom is a consequence.
Sit in your pod, eat your bugs, consume your Netflix, and be happy (in exchange for your vote).
Thanks for the extended use of Huxley's letter as nice to read the original source.