Technology And Individuality In Huxley's Brave New World

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Hand in Hand: Technology & Individuality Huxley’s Brave New World explores a dystopian society that focuses on how the government controls its people by means of technology. He wrote, “Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.” He means that even as technology gets better and improves living conditions, people lose a part of their humanity and in a way is inhumane. For Huxley progress should be a combination of technological advancement while preserving individuality (everyone has the capacity to pursue their desires). According to Huxley, the World State is an example of regression because it limits its citizens from free will. Huxley uses John Savage as an example of progression (he refuses to lose his individuality and pursues human emotions) compared to the World State that uses technology as a means for progress but in actuality is in a state of regression because it strips the individuality of its citizens in order to sustain its moto that creates community, identity, and stability. In …show more content…

However, he makes progress because he made the choice to leave rejecting the states false community, identity, and stability. He tells Mustapha Mond, “I am claiming the right to be unhappy… the right to be tortured by pains of every kind (240).” Mustapha thinks John is foolish because pains would cause instability and affect the state. John argues though that tears are necessary and part of pain. He says, “You got rid of everything unpleasant…It’s too easy” (238). John believes that bringing back a little bit of humanity to the state would create real stability. He tries to convince Mond for progress, “You need something with tears for a change.” This change he is referring to is Huxley’s idea of technological advancement paired with preserving

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