Throughout history there have been many prominent scholars and public figures who heralded uncannily accurate warnings of critical issues to confront the future of all humanity. We generally regard these people as among some of the most amazing figures history ever churned out however when they speak truth we cork our ears, close our eyes, hum loudly...and turn the other way.
...perhaps we should listen to just one of them?
Continually failing to heed these warnings we march blindly onwards into a more fearful, hurtful, hateful, violent and unaware society which "hasn't" gotten fundamentally better despite considerable (supposed) efforts and intention to the contrary. These warnings, both explicit and subtle are found everywhere from interviews and death bed speeches to entire books and are numerous enough to fill their own novel (hint, hint...for anyone with more inclination).
Presented first is Aldous Huxley whose prophetic writing "A Brave New World" recognises, extends and enhances concepts of totalitarian servitude put forth by the famous writer George Orwell in his novel 1984. Huxley actually wrote a letter to Orwell which expresses essential difference of concept between the two works...that of increased efficiency. He felt his novel much closer to the reality of our future enslavement and stated openly that Orwell's methods weren't efficient enough and for that reason would not be considered "useful".
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October 21st, 1949
Dear Mr Orwell,
The nightmare of 1984 is destined to modulate into A Brave New World. The change will be brought about as a result of a felt need for increased efficiency.
Thank you once again for the book.
Yours sincerely
Aldous Huxley
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...wonder if he actually realised it works as a guide book also??? He supposedly wrote it as a warning, but is it used as reference for tyranny?
Note currently looking for an interview with Huxley where he says "A Brave New Word was based on what was happening at the time", I've seen it/got it somewhere, quite interesting...a post or three away.
1934 (i think) - Aldous Huxley - interview about "A Brave New World"
Transcript: "what I may call the message is a Brave New World, but it is possible...uh, to make people, contented with their servitude. I think this can be done. I think it has been done in the past but, and I think it could be done even more effectively now because you can provide them with, bread and circuses and you can provide them with endless amounts of distractions and propaganda.
Well what is to me very interesting. It looks as though the totalitarian regimes of the future, will not be based upon terror because they will have other means. These...means...w...now presently described as brainwashing and propaganda, which will be much more efficient and much more economical than um, natural force, and more pleasurable to those who undergo them . There are techniques available at present which seem to, duplicate some of the techniques that I... invented"
- Aldous Huxley on A Brave New World
...illusion or reality? which one will hurt more when it comes crashing down?
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