Brave New World: The Theme

The theme of the book Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, is that the advancement of science does not only impact technology, but the lifestyles of the people. The characters in this book are affected in many manners, such as physical manners, but mainly in a psychological perspective. For example, those who control the world in this book take advantage of science to use it as a solution to avoid havoc that might be raised from those who have different beliefs. They don't want individuality because they know that it will create disorder not just about issues, but simple topics such as feelings. Even personal problems are considered evil, and must be dealt in an urgent manner.

One of the affects that science creates on individual humans is the inability to cognitive thinking. A method to prevent cognitive thinking is referred to as "Ectogenesis". It is a process in which people are manufactured, rather than being born. They are made to fit into three different social classes and dislike each other; most likely to avoid each other, maintain boundaries, and thus "peace". This process described affected the people because not only were their views modified, but their inability to properly cope with future problems.

Another way that the advancement of science affected the people in the novel is the individuality it exhorts. It is agreeable that everyone is unique ranging from favorite color, family history, or culture. In the novel, however, Mustapha Mond, an upper-class leader of the world states, "You've got to choose between happiness and what people used to call high art. We've sacrificed the high art". This statement, ironically, shows how ignorant he is towards other's people's happiness. For some, art is happiness. But it doesn't matter anymore because his words show that everyone is taught to believe in certain things and that culture and individualism is dead. Science, again, seems not just to affect people but in an eerie way: control them.

Science, with its advancement and power greater than a mere human being, is shown to create intolerance. Later in the novel, a character is introduced called John Savage. The last name "Savage" was intentionally given to him, since he was actually born instead of manufactured. And since he wasn't "manufactured", every one despises him and are questioning what to do with him. He is seen as a threat merely for being an individual, especially when he talks to Mustapha Mond. He dares to say, "I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin". Many attempted to make him "normal", but John's spirit was strong.

This novel shows that the advancement of science can affect the thoughts of human beings. As shown with John Savage, the advancements made others intolerant of him and even try to change his "savage way". But John was strong in what he believed in. He refused to conform to the Utopian society and eventually, chose death as an escape.