Brave New World v.s. 1984: Pleasure or Pain?

“In short, Orwell feared that what we hate will ruin us. Huxley feared that what we love will ruin us. This book is about the possibility that Huxley, not Orwell, was right.” (Postman, Foreword XX)

Was Huxley correct in suggesting that we would come to love our oppression, to adore the technologies that undo our capacity to think? Or was Orwell correct in believing that we would be overcome by an externally imposed oppression?

I personally believe that the future society depicted in Huxley’s Brave New World is more universal and more relevant to modern society than 1984’s Big Brother. There may be aspects of Orwell’s vision that are becoming true, such as language repression, widespread disinfo campaigns, surveillance, or militarism. However, the significant elements of Orwell’s dystopian vision – deprivation and widespread despair – do not seem to be apparent in modern society. Also, we have yet to see the government imposed celibacy and the complete subjugation of individual will to The State. The totalitarian vision presented in Orwell’s 1984 could only truly occur in the complete absence of capitalism and conspicuous consumption.

However, Huxley’s vision of totalitarianism, with permitted drug use, open sexuality, conspicuous consumption, and genetically pre-determined social status, in the novel Brave New World, seems to have a greater possibility of occurring in terms of American culture and values.

In the novel, Brave New World, the people were content with their lifestyles because they were given what they desired, and it gave them an illusion of freedom. This is demonstrated in modern society. The World State and today's world utilize comparable methods of promoting consumption. As Americans are concerned with maintaining the status quo, so they can continue to earn money and spend it on luxuries, we should recognize that the government will assist and encourage them in their pursuits. Why? It is for the simple reason that there isn't anyone who would revolt against a government that gives us what we desire, while under the pretense of absolute freedom. We should consider how easy it is to control people if you keep them fat and happy a.k.a the concept of “bread and circuses”. As demonstrated in Huxley’s Brave New World, threats are rarely used or needed. Rule by “bread and circuses” has proved more potent than force (as used in 1984) – and more pernicious, precisely because every means of control is a perversion of something people really want.

The issue with accepting a strict Orwellian future for America is that such a view ignores the American culture’s desire for ownership and the need to carefully maintain the illusion of individual freedom of choice. In contrast, the Huxleyan future allows Americans to hold on to their illusions, as the government provides everything (job, food, homes...) to keep them happy and satisfied.

My opinion is only one of many. I am interested in your thoughts concerning whether Orwell’s or Huxley’s beliefs are correct. Is it possible that our society is heading towards Huxley’s Utopia or Orwell’s Dystopia? Is pain or pleasure to be our downfall? Or is it possible that we will be able to overcome and displace both these scenarios?

-Caroline Quan