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    Brave New World
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    Brave New World
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    Brave New World
    Ebook289 pages4 hours

    Brave New World

    By Aldous Huxley

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    Now more than ever: Aldous Huxley's enduring masterwork must be read and understood by anyone concerned with preserving the human spirit

    "A masterpiece. . . . One of the most prophetic dystopian works." —Wall Street Journal 

    Aldous Huxley's profoundly important classic of world literature, Brave New World is a searching vision of an unequal, technologically-advanced future where humans are genetically bred, socially indoctrinated, and pharmaceutically anesthetized to passively uphold an authoritarian ruling order—all at the cost of our freedom, full humanity, and perhaps also our souls. “A genius [who] who spent his life decrying the onward march of the Machine” (The New Yorker), Huxley was a man of incomparable talents: equally an artist, a spiritual seeker, and one of history’s keenest observers of human nature and civilization. 

    Brave New World, his masterpiece, has enthralled and terrified millions of readers, and retains its urgent relevance to this day as both a warning to be heeded as we head into tomorrow and as a thought-provoking, satisfying work of literature. Written in the shadow of the rise of fascism during the 1930s, Brave New World likewise speaks to a 21st-century world dominated by mass-entertainment, technology, medicine and pharmaceuticals, the arts of persuasion, and the hidden influence of elites. 


    Editor's Note

    Sharp satire…

    People often say it can be hard to see what’s so dystopian about “Brave New World,” and that’s probably because it’s such a sharp, cutting satire of utopian literature of yore.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins
    Release dateJul 1, 2014
    ISBN9780062368232
    Author

    Aldous Huxley

    Aldous Huxley (1894–1963) is the author of the classic novels Brave New World, Island, Eyeless in Gaza, and The Genius and the Goddess, as well as such critically acclaimed nonfiction works as The Perennial Philosophy and The Doors of Perception. Born in Surrey, England, and educated at Oxford, he died in Los Angeles, California.

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    Reviews for Brave New World

    4/5

    14,710 ratings298 reviews

    What our readers think

    Readers find this title to be a unique and timeless dystopian book. It offers insightful questions on the morality of social engineering and presents a moderately disturbing ending. While some parts may be absurd, the overall concept and ideas are promising. However, some readers were disappointed with the superficial characters and unrealistic plot development. Despite its flaws, this book is worth a philosophical ride and is recommended for those seeking a different dystopian experience.

    What did you think?

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 4/5

      Oct 27, 2019

      I think for my tastes Huxley was perhaps a bit too entranced with showcasing his own vision of the future to properly craft the story set in it, which I personally found a bit uneven and not serving much function other than to underline to various points he was trying to make about his setting. It never really carried me away the way I'd like to be by a narrative (though in fairness, a few individual sections or chapters did, for shorter bursts of time). But that said, there's no denying the author paints a very intriguing result of taking a rather benevolently intended focus on consumerism, mass-production and physical well-being to an absolute extreme (and all the more impressive for having been done as early as the beginning of the 1930s). I also think it a great take on a dystopia in that it is by design populated almost entirely by people tailor made to be happy in it -- unlike most fictional dystopias, where the average person showcased is, at least on some deeper, secret level, rather miserable. But even so, in the end, I unfortunately found it to be a novel more worth reading for its cultural significance than for the actual reading experience.
    • 3/5

      Oct 27, 2019

      Interesting novel. It has a very strong start - perfectly painting a world so different from our own. As the beginning chapters went on, however, the book began to drag for me. It seemed void of purpose, to some extent. But by the half way mark that started to change around, at least for me. The story at this point began to turn into a "fish out of water" story. Except, unlike so many other stories of similar structure, you - the reader - are the fish out of water. For me, this was the most intriguing aspect of the novel and what brought me to continue reading it. Well worth the read, though Huxley's writing style may be tedious at times.
    • 3/5

      Apr 1, 2019

      Brave New World is pretty easy to read and get along with, for a dystopian novel, and there are some pretty good quotes. For the most part I didn't think the prose was exceptional, but it was functional and got the story told.

      There were several things that bugged me about it, though. The first thing is the characters -- I'm all about characters in my reading, and if I don't connect with a book, it's likely because I didn't get on with the characters. Brave New World doesn't really have any characters I really got to like. Those that are 'civilised' are too conditioned, too vapid, and the 'savages' are too... intense, partially just by comparison. The focus on pain and self-denial in the 'savage' society is as difficult to get behind as the unthinking, unindividuality of the 'civilised' society. Which is basically the other problem I have: that there are only two extremes. That's partially covered by the misfits who get sent off to live on islands, but not really.

      The message about what constitutes humanity, what is really living, is good, though. "But I don’t want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin."

      Pretty much.
    • 3/5

      Apr 1, 2019

      A difficult book to rate. First let me say that I now understand why my high school students all talked about not enjoying this book at all in their English classes. I feel like it would over the top of their heads with its philosophy. I also was surprised to see the amount that sex and open relationships were discussed considering this is required reading at many high schools. I am not saying it should be censored, but it is interesting that it is a book of choice for many high school classes.

      The book itself if a classic so there is not much more I can say. I felt the plot was simply a thin way to expound on various social ideas and philosophies. In some of the later chapters, there is simply a conversation discussing philosophy of the fictional world compared to the beliefs of what would have been the author's contemporary world.

      Interesting concepts to think about, but not a page-turner.
    • 3/5

      Apr 1, 2019

      People in the future are manufactured and designed to be happy.2.5/4 (Okay).The story is unfocused and poorly structured (it doesn't even start until a quarter of the way through the book, the closest thing to a protagonist doesn't show up until close to halfway through, and the ending is awful). Which is a shame, because it's actually pretty good when its about the characters.
    • 5/5

      Apr 1, 2019

      Brave New World is a view of a world taken by the Left; a world where "science" is the religion; a perverse, singularly cold world where humans have been “freed” from conventions and norms (sexual and behavioral); a society encroached by an almighty, overreaching government. Albeit in George Orwell’s “1984” the government, Ingsoc (English Socialism), shapes a dark, brutal society, and in BNW it furnishes a mock religion, drugs and sex in order to make the emptiness of society palatable and working bearable (panem et circenses comes to mind), both societies have in common the fact that they are a product of Leftwing (highly controlling) governments. Nothing could be farther from Conservatism and Capitalism; nothing could be closer to a Leftwing view of the ideal society. This book is actually an exposé of socialism. Anyone who would like to understand what socialism or communism is, should read this book and the following: 1984, The Gulag Archipelago, Animal Farm, The Fountainhead, and Atlas Shrugged.
    • 2/5

      Apr 1, 2019

      This book was thoroughly depressing.

      The fact that the stability of civilization was maintained because of the genetic tampering of the fetuses in their bottles was horrifying. Various castes were created to fulfill specific needs of society (ie Alphas for management positions, Deltas for factory work, etc).

      Children were brainwashed from birth to be self-indulgent, narcissists interested only in comfort and consumption. Even the introduction of John Savage into their carefully created society was unable to shake their foundation of brainwashing.
    • 3/5

      Apr 1, 2019

      A world 500 years in the future, where all babies are born from test-tubes, people are completely conditioned to their careers, and free thought is discouraged. A rather chilling book with a shocking ending, although there are a few moments of humour and irony to lighten the mood along the way.
    • 4/5

      Apr 1, 2019

      I'm sure I read this years ago, but didn't remember a word of it. I'm glad I read it again. It is oddly prophetic, not in its particulars, but in its insightful asides (e.g. "Our Ford himself"--speaking of Henry, who has become a god--"did a great deal to shift the emphasis from truth and beauty to comfort and happiness. Mass production demanded the shift. Universal happiness keeps the wheels steadily turning; truth and beauty can't.") This is a tad more subtle societal control than 1984, but a worthy companion volume.
    • 2/5

      Apr 1, 2019

      This is really well told--I found the writing absolutely amazing. And as a dystopia, it is absolutely thought provoking, and I'm sure it was ground-breaking for its time. But...I despised all of the characters, the women characters were absurdly drawn, and I was disgusted with the attitude Huxley takes toward his constructed world. I found myself arguing with the book *constantly*. I just don't see the world the same way Huxley does. So while I grant that this is an important piece of literature and definitely a seminal work of science fiction, I can't say that I would read it again, or necessarily even recommend it.
    • 1/5

      Apr 1, 2019

      I hated this book. Too weird
    • 5/5

      Nov 20, 2018

      Who says a book published in 1932 can't have indefatigable orgies and copious amounts of drugs? Aldous Huxley! I'm late, believe me, I get it. I slept through lit. But, how amazing. "Brave New World" reads like a prophetic voice from the past. I hate to sound cliché —I can't help it: this book is timeless. Although the initial encounter with the first few pages is an arduous word jungle, it is worth the philosophical ride.

      The setting is, London, England, after a tumultuous existence and a Nine Years War, the people opt for the notion of happiness as their primary pursuit, instead of truth and beauty in this brave new world. Organized into a genetically engineered caste sytem, Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons navigate the world inundated with carefully orchestrated conditioning to stabilize their roles in society. Science, religion, and knowledge, maintained by the Controller, prevent these players from exposure to the most unfortunate happenings; when this system fails, soma, a potent drug snaps the minds of the afflicted back to a state of bliss.

      The plot revolves around, Bernard Marx, who struggles with his social incompatibility in this perfect world and John the Savage, who roves the uncivilized world as a uniquely different outcast. Notably, the fortunes of these two characters collide and cause both to question the idea of a life filled with total pleasure or a life burdened by intermittent bouts of pain. Other players, Helmholtz Watson, a friend of Bernard and Lenina Crowne, a fitting love interest of both, toil with interacting with the pair, and their support remains questionable.

      The philosophy of Huxley is clear; pages of this prophetic treatise illuminated with references damning over-consumption, materialism, loss of individualism, the basis of religion and the question of free will have you riddled with problems of your society. As the characters evolve, you will also go through a sort of change. Why is our world filled continuously with the noise of societal demands? Who are we when we part ways with our circle? What decisions would we make if the world around us did not influence us? Interesting?—To say the least.

      I am a dystopian queen and fascinated with portentous worlds. Huxley delivers. With the gambit of information shared in this fictional text, it should serve as a societal looking glass. I give it five stars. Huxley introduces the reader to created words, new-fangled words, and words that satiate the pallet indefatigably! Although the text is sure to be perceived as offensive with dated references to ethnic populations, we read to understand, not to concur with each expression our soul digests. Notably, the story is a delight, and after the first two chapters, the book is difficult to place on the nightstand.
    • 4/5

      Jan 31, 2018

      While it sometimes veers into eye-rolling absurdity, this book's dystopian prediction of the future is packed full of insightful questions on the morality of social engineering.
    • 5/5

      Apr 22, 2019

      No matter how many times I listen or read it’s always good. One of my favorites.
    • 1/5

      Feb 12, 2021

      this book had so much promise. the concepts were good, but the longer I read the more I disliked the book. the characters are superficial and everything just goes out of control in a very unrealistic way. really wanted to like this book. very disappointed
    • 3/5

      Nov 13, 2020

      This was so different. I’ve never read anything like it. The story was so unique. If you are looking for a really different dystopian book, this is for you.
    • 4/5

      Aug 28, 2020

      Surprised by the ending - the book is moderately disturbing.
    • 1/5

      Jan 23, 2020

      worsyt bloiok oi ever reade
      god ddmA IT YEPUIC ABSVBYED
    • 3/5

      Feb 5, 2025

      the prose isn’t engaging but then what does that have to do with it? it’s clearly written and that’s enough to convey meaning. i guess i am always looking for some delicious turns of phrase to chew on.

      nevertheless, the book is a classic piece, talked about a lot in literature communities and by visionaries and devotees of Huxley’s Doors of Perception. my son read it for school so i thought i would finally set my eyes to it.

      i’m not sure what i was expecting. i found it to be almost satirical in nature at the beginning, painting an almost comical picture of society manifested as the caricatures of our base needs and wants. over that, it has taken care of them neatly as well. at least for those lucky enough to be alphas. everything is copacetic.

      we are led into the utopian, future society and i think he wants us to believe it looks pretty good with everyone happy and content with their place in the cosmos. then he introduces the Savage from a culture much more akin to our own to show us how perverse that “brave new world” is from a familiar perspective. however, in doing so, he’s also showing the inherent problems with that society as well. all i could think when John shouts “I come to bring you freedom” was that in many ways he’s just as much a slave to his own cultural POV as they are - especially with his narrow views on religion and repressive attitude on sexuality. both peoples find the other mutually repulsive. i do get the feeling though that Huxley subtly (or maybe not so subtly) sides with the Shakespeare-quoting Savage. ha ha.

      to truly understand the significance of this book, i would have to look deeper into the social context of the times and know where Huxley is coming from personally. my own reactions might be premature or naive in light of those things but then again i should be able to read a book on its own merit and cull from it what i cull. from this book, i cull an almost ribald attempt to shock people into realizing their own humanity as Huxley sees it. that the rich melodies of Shakespeare encapsulate the mess of human freedom and happiness much better than the ordered and soulless Utopian “other world.” he did not accomplish that with me if that was indeed his intent. i see the repressive restrictions in both societies and the inherent unfairness of many practices in both. i suppose the lack of choice of everyone (including the alphas) in the “brave new world” to be able to explore any kind of potential is more disturbing. some are simply slated for a cow-like state and are not seen as properly human. some are slated for nothing but leisure. both are a kind of prison. that does not mean, however, that the world of the Savage is any better for lacking those things. the choice is not given to him and his to avoid illness and old age and injury. another kind of prison.

      the juxtaposition of those two places and peoples make for an interesting thought experiment and perhaps even a litmus test to see to which you react more strongly. ultimately, though, it seems to be a meditation on happiness and contentment. Huxley found more shock value here in realizing that truly happy people are dull. contentment means the lack of true art because there is no disquiet. however horrific this is supposed to seem, i think that there’s truth in it and nothing to be afraid of. peace, after all, is peaceful.
    • 4/5

      Feb 2, 2025

      A pleasant surprise. The first pages revealed just what the book was, a 1920's British dystopian tract with all the purient details that had the book banned. However, the book was imaginative and his philosophical expounding turned what was just a satire about a perfect society into a thoughtful look at aging, dying, and religion. The ending was weak but what is perfect.
    • 4/5

      Jan 16, 2025

      This is a very dark tale. It is extremely inventive and the grisly details of the Brave New World do not make for an easy read.

      Most of the narrative sets the scene for the final twenty or thirty pages. From there the book suddenly accelerates and the existential questions are thoroughly and elegantly explored in the dialogue. Mustapha Mond is a very nuanced character in this regard.

      The tragic outcome for all concerned comes as no surprise. The fact that the Huxley's messages still resonate after 90 years shows why the book earns its place as one of the classics of dystopian fiction.
    • 4/5

      Dec 26, 2024

      First read this when I was about 14, and all these years later I only remembered the babies in bottles and the soma. I wonder how much I really understood back then? Probably not much, because wow, what a damning statement of civilization. I used to worry about Orwell's 1984 coming true, but it seems Huxley's vision is the one driving the world these days. Terrifying!
    • 4/5

      Oct 24, 2024

      I wanted to rate it 3 stars, because I didn't like a lot of it for all the reasons I'm not a sci-fi fan. Not least that it's an awfully cynical worldview. That said, parts of it have really stuck with me, so I have to say it's a fairly powerful book.
    • 4/5

      Aug 25, 2024

      Crazy, creepy, thought provoking and not what I expected at all.
      Can't believe it was written in the 1940's. I think I would have gotten more out of it if I read it in a class or for a book club - I feel like I needed to discuss parts of it!
      Would have been a four start, but I struggled with the ending.
    • 4/5

      Aug 20, 2024

      Cleanliness is next to fordliness.
    • 4/5

      Oct 27, 2019

      Aldous Huxley predicted an eerie future for mankind. A future where love is a taboo, parents do not exist, censorship is rampant, and a mood-enhancing drug is legal. Paired with Pavlovian conditioning methods, genetically engineered humans are stuck in their designated stations for life. Their views hardly ever change. Death is not feared, it is just another day. Then there's the "erotic games" part, where children are encouraged to act on whatever sexual desires they might have—because "everyone belongs to everyone".

      Brave New World is a must-read, at least once in your life. At times, the novel is creepy, sometimes downright scary, but most of all, Brave New World is still relevant today.

      It's highly enjoyable, especially if you have free time to actually consider the words Aldous Huxley use to describe this fantastic world.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5

      Feb 17, 2019

      Learning that Grant Morrison is writing a screenplay of BNW, it was time for me to finally read the book. The world building is patchy and incomplete (by modern standards). The character focus is meandering. Some scenes are incongruous. But, it stands strong, despite faults that would tank a weaker story.

      IOW - it's such a powerhouse, that it shrugs off critique of plot and narrative.

      It stands as a Yin to the Yang of 1984 (Huxley having been Orwell's teacher and clear influence), and John (The Savage) is a thumbnail sketch for Michael Valentine in Stranger In A Strange Land. These facts alone make it a must-read. The ideas in BNW are ultimately stronger than the two books (tip of the iceberg) it so clearly influenced. It earns the "truly great" label with one arm tied behind its back, esp. when you consider it was written in the 1930's. Can't bring myself to go to 5 stars for some reason, though - - probably b/c Huxley spoiled me by influencing so many authors to run with the ball.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 1/5

      Jun 20, 2017

      Giving up on this classic. Several chapters in and no main characters, no real plot, just a heap of exposition. At least 1984 had a clear protagonist and plot to follow. If I'm going to be bashed over the head with world building and social criticism I want it to be engaging.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 1/5

      Jul 11, 2016

      I always say, there are too many books in the world to continue reading one that doesn't grab your attention from the start. That being said, I am abandoning this audiobook after only 1.5 CDs. I have no clue what is going on and it is not keeping my attention.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 1/5

      Jul 20, 2020

      no thanks!