Stability in Brave New World Essay Example

All human lives depend on stability. Without it there is no structure, no organization, and no society. Chaos and pandemonium will erupt if there is not stability. The Dictionary defines stability as “resistance to change, dislodgement, or overthrow” or “consistency of character or purpose”. The word makes me think of structure, such as a large building standing against strong winds. It also makes me think of perseverance. Something that is stable will sustain itself for a long period of time. Something stable will resist change but can maintain itself through it. However, in Aldous Huxley’s novel Brave New World stability is the way of life. The World State’s motto is “Community, Identity, Stability”
The entire world is one stable unit in Huxley’s book. Humans are created by artificial reproduction in a lab and are separated into five distinct castes, which determine the individual’s place in the society. Before they are decanted (which is the alternative for being born) citizens have their whole lives planned out. They are conditioned for their future role in the community and their job by training and hypnopædia, which is subliminal suggestions given to a child during their sleep. Drug use is common in this society, as well as accepted. A drug called soma relieves pain and gives powerful but pleasant hallucinations to relieve any stress or discomfort people experience. Sex has become a social activity instead of means for reproduction. It is encouraged from childhood. “Everyone belongs to everyone else” is one of the many phrases people accept as truth because of hypnopædia. By planning out every human’s life before their existence, social stability is perfected. All citizens are trained to consume as much as possible to keep the economy stable. In the third chapter of this book, one of the World Controllers describes the World State’s view of stability:
“Stability,” insisted the Controller, “stability. The primal and ultimate need. Stability. Hence all