Which do you prefer, "Brave New World" or "1984"?

1984 is a better story. Brave New World is more science fiction- Aldous Huxley extrapolating early behavior modification research into a horrifying dystopia. It was very science phobic. And, really. Making a loud sound when a baby saw a flower was supposed to make it disdain beauty???

1984 is one of my favorite books of all time. No other book explains the power of language and fear to control the minds and hearts of people.

Read both. I see bits and pieces from both being implemented into our society. Soma, mental conditioning, surveillance, fear, control. These 2 books are the best examples I give to people to what our world is becoming.

“In times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.” George Orwell

I agree with Chris. The subject of human sexuality is extremely interesting in Brave New World. In 1984, it’s fun to draw parallels between the never-ending war and ‘the war on terror’. They are both great books on a bunch of different levels. I may go back and read the two of them again.

i never read 1984 but i really liked Brave New World. dont burn on me for not directly answering the question

Two of my all time favorites. Thank goodness for freshman humanities class. Must I really choose?

Brave New World

I haven’t read Brave New World, but I’m am constantly telling people 1984 is on its way. I got into a fight with someone who actually defended the Patriot Act. I told him he can blow Big Brother all he wants, but the rest of us sane people will be enjoying our freedoms while they last.

Did my answer to you all get through? I’m new to this kind of
exchange.
I should have been clear. I was especially interested not in
which of the two books you prefer, but which of the two societies described in the books you would choose to live in
if you were forced to choose.
I prefer the society of “Brave New World”. And I see current
USA as being dragged toward the society of “1984”.

Brave New World. At least there is sex and drugs. ;)

1984 is one of my favorite books of all time. Brave New World is okay.

BNW was rather forgettable, in my opinion (side note—I once heard that that Gattaca was based on Brave New World. If so, it’s very loosely based). 1984 both terrified and enthralled me, mostly because I saw so many similarities to what is going on around me.

For a similar terrifyingly wonderful story, check out Ayn Rand’s Anthem.

Animal Farm also scared me. Especially when I heard McBush say, “The fundamentals of our economy are strong and bu the way fundamentals means workers”.

Side note: Did you know that Soma actually exists now? It is a muscle relaxant/pain reliever. Happy pills, indeed!