I’ve read a quote that while we were on our guard against the Orwelian 1984, the Brave New World happened without us noticing. I think Neil Postman wrote it in the foreword to Amusing Ourselves to Death
I think he must be referring to the way how we were taught to fear communism and how the rise of capitalism has actually caused a lot more damage than that.
I agree with a Postman’s assertion that Brave New World was a much more accurate and relevant prediction than 1984. Postman believed that we would allow our addiction to entertainment distract us from real issues. No need for Big Brother to lie about, say, the economy; we’re too obsessed with trivia like the Kardashians to care. And the election of a reality tv star as president fits right in with his vision. (Not trying to be political here, it’s just that that would be unthinkable 50 years ago.)
Syed Abdul Rafay – it’s basically a commentary on where we are headed as a society. Postman died years ago, so the book’s examples are old. If Postman was alive I think he’d say things are even worse than he imagined. (Two movies that kind of reflect his basic ideas: Idiocracy and Wall-E.)
Recently read and finished it – It’s certainly not what I was expecting, because the world was so vastly different and it wasn’t subtly dystopian like 1984. It’s disturbing in that the arguments made by society in the book are actually quite logical. It’s a quick, absorbing read, with a “satisfying” ending.
Really liked it. At the same time I was reading it, I saw “Noah” on stage in Branson, Missouri, so I watched a show where God destroys man, while reading a book in which man destroys God. :O
I’ve read a quote that while we were on our guard against the Orwelian 1984, the Brave New World happened without us noticing. I think Neil Postman wrote it in the foreword to Amusing Ourselves to Death
I think he must be referring to the way how we were taught to fear communism and how the rise of capitalism has actually caused a lot more damage than that.
Meh. Any – isms are about people. And the current Top People can indoctrinate really really well…
I agree with a Postman’s assertion that Brave New World was a much more accurate and relevant prediction than 1984. Postman believed that we would allow our addiction to entertainment distract us from real issues. No need for Big Brother to lie about, say, the economy; we’re too obsessed with trivia like the Kardashians to care. And the election of a reality tv star as president fits right in with his vision. (Not trying to be political here, it’s just that that would be unthinkable 50 years ago.)
@Syed – read Amusing Ourselves to Death. Postman’s fear was the way our need for entertainment distracts us and trivializes our discourse.
@Mary what is it aimed at?
Syed Abdul Rafay – it’s basically a commentary on where we are headed as a society. Postman died years ago, so the book’s examples are old. If Postman was alive I think he’d say things are even worse than he imagined. (Two movies that kind of reflect his basic ideas: Idiocracy and Wall-E.)
Sounds interesting, thanks for sharing.
Recently read and finished it – It’s certainly not what I was expecting, because the world was so vastly different and it wasn’t subtly dystopian like 1984. It’s disturbing in that the arguments made by society in the book are actually quite logical. It’s a quick, absorbing read, with a “satisfying” ending.
I found it quite relatable to the modern world.
Great.
Very good read
Very good book
Read it years ago and enjoyed it.
Love it!!
Worth reading , but uneven
Loved it.
Love it! Leaves you thinking. I dunno if I could read it in the current political climate though.
Every single person should read it. It’s prophetic … and terrifying.
Excellent book!
A classic!!!!
If I am going classic dystopia, I would rather read Fahrenheit 451 or 1984, personally.
Fahrenheit 451 and Brave New World are Utopian, while 1984 is a Dystopia.
Really liked it. At the same time I was reading it, I saw “Noah” on stage in Branson, Missouri, so I watched a show where God destroys man, while reading a book in which man destroys God. :O
Was a book we needed to read in school on Montreal , now so long ago but I see some younger now are reading it
I loved it in high school. BRave new world and Lord of the Flies were my favorite ❤️