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"What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book,

for there would be no one who wanted to read one. Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism. Orwell feared that the truth would be concealed from us. Huxley feared the truth would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance. Orwell feared we would become a captive culture. Huxley feared we would become a trivial culture, preoccupied with some equivalent of the feelies, the orgy porgy, and the centrifugal bumblepuppy. As Huxley remarked in Brave New World Revisited, the civil libertarians and rationalists who are ever on the alert to oppose tyranny "failed to take into account man's almost infinite appetite for distractions." In 1984, Huxley added, "people are controlled by inflicting pain. In Brave New World, they are controlled by inflicting pleasure. In short, Orwell feared that what we hate will ruin us. Huxley feared that what we love will ruin us".” ― Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business
Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M
But like all critiques of an age, anybody could have predicted the same of any period in human history.

Some folk choose to link Huxley's foreboding on the rise and expanse of Communism during the 50's, 60's and 70's.
But you could say the same for the rise in consumerism since the 80's
Or the consolidation of media owned by a select few since the 90's and being 'outraged' by whatever they choose for you to be outraged by.
badminton · 61-69, MVIP
A profound analysis. Worthy of much reflection.
meJess · F
Huxley’s dystopia a based on the population being happy to accept it. Orwell’s is based on being forced to accept it. Huxley assumes that human beings can adapt, Orwell expects them to continue as they are.
twistedrope · 26-30, M
It's a bit extreme on both ends but both have merits. I'd consider it a cautionary tale to a person growing up or as an explainer as to why the rich like to keep the poor down. Good show.
Herefornow · 26-30, M
I need to process this but dang does it hit the nail on the head, is what I have to say right now
KJVRedPill · 31-35, MNew
@Herefornow Yes, I am so glad it exists, as I am just not into fiction, so I have not read 1984 or brave new world.
Herefornow · 26-30, M
@KJVRedPill I am glad it exists too. May I ask why fiction doesn't do it for you?
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
Huxley's vision is the more terrifying . . and unfortunately the one closest to our own current day culture.

 
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