Episode 215: Brave New World: PEL Live 10th Anniversary Show

Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

The book details Zarathustra's descent from his mountain solitude to share his transformative ideas about humanity and existence. Nietzsche explores themes such as the rejection of traditional moral values, individualism, and the concept of the Overman. Zarathustra's interactions with various characters reveal his struggle to articulate his vision and confront prevailing societal values. The book also delves into the existential test of the eternal recurrence of the same and the importance of self-overcoming and personal transformation.

Written in 1958, 'Brave New World Revisited' is a collection of essays where Aldous Huxley examines the validity of his earlier novel's predictions about a dystopian future. Huxley discusses various social problems, including overpopulation, over-organization by 'Big Business' and 'Big Government', and the dangers of mass media and propaganda. He argues that the world is moving faster towards the dystopia he described in 'Brave New World', characterized by non-violent totalitarianism and the manipulation of people through subconscious persuasion and chemical control. The book concludes with a call for reeducation in individual liberty and democracy to prevent the erosion of personal freedom.

In this autobiography, Henry Ford recounts his early life on a farm in Michigan, his fascination with mechanics, and his journey to becoming a successful businessman. The book covers his innovative approaches to industry and mass production, his views on business, wages, and social concerns, and how he applied his principles to various sectors beyond the automotive industry. Ford also shares his stringent and sometimes controversial views on life, business, and society.

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.

This volume includes all of Shakespeare's comedies, histories, tragedies, and complete poems. The works are often categorized into comedies such as 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Twelfth Night', histories like 'Henry IV' and 'Henry V', tragedies including 'Hamlet', 'Macbeth', and 'Romeo and Juliet', and his complete poems such as the 154 sonnets and other narrative poems like 'Venus and Adonis' and 'The Rape of Lucrece'. Different editions may include collaborative works and varying editorial notes.