I recently read a part in Brave New World in which Mustapha Mond refuses to allow the publishing of a paper titled “A New Theory of Biology” because he wants to maintain happiness among the society, particularly among the higher caste. This caused me to wonder how it could possibly pose a threat to happiness in society? And after reading this part, I thought about it and I came up with this: it could provide a new idea, and although possibly interesting and thought provoking, it could cause the more thoughtful people, or the higher caste, to question their lives. It could cause them to think more deeply, and I don’t know about you guys, but when I start to think deep about the meaning and purpose of life, I tend to get in a sad or depressed mood. This helped me to conclude what I thought is the reason of why he would not allow this paper to be published.
-Leo Roth
I agree with you. The higher caste had nothing really to question about their lives, they were as happy as can be. Considering if this paper were to be published, these people would think more deeply and even question their purpose in life.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you, I feel like if he was to publish this paper it would make everyone think differently. As you said if they were to ponder about their original life and then read about these ideas it is possible that they could get upset because of the way they were living. I also believe that is the reason why Mustapha Mond refuses to publish the paper because he feels threatened by it.
ReplyDeleteMustapha does indeed seem like he is looking out for the benefit of the society he takes a large part in. People like him aim to attain a perfect view that includes every single person having a smile and not pondering too deep and become down-like you mentioned. This comes to conclude that Mond views sadness as "thinking for your self" and happiness "letting your thoughts be chosen".
ReplyDeleteAs I read this part of the book, I too wondered why this paper would affect the happiness of the society. After reading your blog I agree with your theory of how it would effect the higher caste because of all the thought they would start putting into their lives. If this paper were to be published they would start to question many aspects of life they normally would not think twice about. As you stated, once life it thought about or questioned more than necessary it may bring depression upon us.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your train of thought, I can also agree with you, to provoke curiosity and new ideas within others can create unexpected experiences within a stable society. With new ideas, the upper caste could be overcome with confusion or the thoughts that something with their society is wrong. I believe that if they start to question their everyday meaning and lives, they would endanger the society's stability and order which was the goal the government had finally achieved.
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