Favorite prose. poetry , anything literary thread
- Thread starter HSanders
- Start date
"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley is a dystopian novel published in 1932 that presents a chilling vision of a technologically advanced future society. Set in a World State where citizens are genetically engineered and conditioned into a strict social hierarchy, the novel explores themes of conformity, control, and the loss of individuality.
In this society, happiness is maintained through the use of a drug called "soma," which suppresses negative emotions and promotes a sense of contentment. The government prioritizes stability and uniformity over personal freedom, leading to a world devoid of deep emotional connections and authentic experiences.
The story follows John the Savage, a character raised outside this engineered society, who is brought into the World State. His experiences highlight the stark contrasts between natural human emotions and the artificial happiness imposed by the state. As John grapples with the values of the World State, he ultimately reveals the flaws and moral dilemmas inherent in such a controlled existence.
Huxley's work serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement and the dangers of sacrificing individuality and freedom for the sake of societal stability. "Brave New World" remains a relevant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, prompting readers to reflect on the balance between progress and personal autonomy.
In this society, happiness is maintained through the use of a drug called "soma," which suppresses negative emotions and promotes a sense of contentment. The government prioritizes stability and uniformity over personal freedom, leading to a world devoid of deep emotional connections and authentic experiences.
The story follows John the Savage, a character raised outside this engineered society, who is brought into the World State. His experiences highlight the stark contrasts between natural human emotions and the artificial happiness imposed by the state. As John grapples with the values of the World State, he ultimately reveals the flaws and moral dilemmas inherent in such a controlled existence.
Huxley's work serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement and the dangers of sacrificing individuality and freedom for the sake of societal stability. "Brave New World" remains a relevant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, prompting readers to reflect on the balance between progress and personal autonomy.
William S. Burroughs' The Soft Machine is a groundbreaking work that exemplifies the experimental nature of his writing and the broader Beat Generation. Published in 1961, this novel is the first installment of Burroughs' "Nova Trilogy" and is renowned for its surreal narrative structure and provocative themes. The book challenges conventional storytelling through its fragmented and non-linear approach, reflecting the chaotic and often disorienting nature of human experience.
At the core of The Soft Machine is Burroughs' exploration of addiction, control, and the malleability of reality. The narrative follows a character named "the Soft Machine"—a metaphorical representation of the human body and psyche—navigating a dystopian landscape filled with bizarre imagery, drug use, and political undertones. Burroughs employs a cut-up technique, rearranging words and phrases to create a disjointed yet vivid tapestry of thoughts, dreams, and hallucinations. This method not only serves to disrupt traditional narrative flow but also immerses readers in the mind's tumultuous landscape.
Burroughs' prose is both stark and poetic, filled with sharp insights and biting social commentary. He addresses the dehumanizing effects of addiction and societal control, illustrating how individuals become trapped in cycles of dependency and manipulation. The text is laced with dark humor and an undercurrent of paranoia, reflecting Burroughs' own struggles with addiction and his critique of modern life.
While The Soft Machine can be challenging due to its unconventional style, it is a rewarding read for those willing to engage with its complexity. Burroughs invites readers to question the very nature of reality and the narratives we construct about ourselves and the world around us. The novel's themes of transformation and resistance resonate deeply, making it a significant work in both the literary and countercultural canon.
The Soft Machine is a daring and innovative exploration of the human condition, showcasing William S. Burroughs' unique voice and vision. Its impact on literature and culture is profound, paving the way for future generations of writers and artists to challenge norms and push the boundaries of creative expression. For those interested in experimental literature, Burroughs' work remains an essential and thought-provoking experience.
At the core of The Soft Machine is Burroughs' exploration of addiction, control, and the malleability of reality. The narrative follows a character named "the Soft Machine"—a metaphorical representation of the human body and psyche—navigating a dystopian landscape filled with bizarre imagery, drug use, and political undertones. Burroughs employs a cut-up technique, rearranging words and phrases to create a disjointed yet vivid tapestry of thoughts, dreams, and hallucinations. This method not only serves to disrupt traditional narrative flow but also immerses readers in the mind's tumultuous landscape.
Burroughs' prose is both stark and poetic, filled with sharp insights and biting social commentary. He addresses the dehumanizing effects of addiction and societal control, illustrating how individuals become trapped in cycles of dependency and manipulation. The text is laced with dark humor and an undercurrent of paranoia, reflecting Burroughs' own struggles with addiction and his critique of modern life.
While The Soft Machine can be challenging due to its unconventional style, it is a rewarding read for those willing to engage with its complexity. Burroughs invites readers to question the very nature of reality and the narratives we construct about ourselves and the world around us. The novel's themes of transformation and resistance resonate deeply, making it a significant work in both the literary and countercultural canon.
The Soft Machine is a daring and innovative exploration of the human condition, showcasing William S. Burroughs' unique voice and vision. Its impact on literature and culture is profound, paving the way for future generations of writers and artists to challenge norms and push the boundaries of creative expression. For those interested in experimental literature, Burroughs' work remains an essential and thought-provoking experience.
HSanders
Cracker bitch
this is great,thank you!
Jim Morrison named the group the Doors because of this book..
"The Doors of Perception" is a philosophical essay written by Aldous Huxley, first published in 1954. It details Huxley's experiences with the psychoactive substance mescaline, derived from the peyote cactus. The title is inspired by a line from William Blake's poetry: "If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite."
In this work, Huxley recounts his vivid and transformative experiences during a mescaline session, which he underwent in a controlled setting with the supervision of a physician. He describes how the drug altered his perception of reality, intensifying his awareness of color, texture, and form while temporarily dissolving his ego and conventional understanding of time and space.
The essay explores the idea that human perception is limited by biological and cultural filters. Huxley argues that substances like mescaline can temporarily lift these filters, allowing individuals to experience a more direct and unmediated connection with the world. He draws parallels between these altered states and the insights of mystics, artists, and religious visionaries.
"The Doors of Perception" is often credited with sparking interest in psychedelics during the 1950s and 1960s, influencing countercultural movements and inspiring discussions about the relationship between consciousness, spirituality, and art. While it remains a seminal work in the study of altered states of consciousness, it has also been critiqued for its subjective nature and lack of scientific rigor.
All reactions:
2.5K2.5K
"The Doors of Perception" is a philosophical essay written by Aldous Huxley, first published in 1954. It details Huxley's experiences with the psychoactive substance mescaline, derived from the peyote cactus. The title is inspired by a line from William Blake's poetry: "If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite."
In this work, Huxley recounts his vivid and transformative experiences during a mescaline session, which he underwent in a controlled setting with the supervision of a physician. He describes how the drug altered his perception of reality, intensifying his awareness of color, texture, and form while temporarily dissolving his ego and conventional understanding of time and space.
The essay explores the idea that human perception is limited by biological and cultural filters. Huxley argues that substances like mescaline can temporarily lift these filters, allowing individuals to experience a more direct and unmediated connection with the world. He draws parallels between these altered states and the insights of mystics, artists, and religious visionaries.
"The Doors of Perception" is often credited with sparking interest in psychedelics during the 1950s and 1960s, influencing countercultural movements and inspiring discussions about the relationship between consciousness, spirituality, and art. While it remains a seminal work in the study of altered states of consciousness, it has also been critiqued for its subjective nature and lack of scientific rigor.
All reactions:
2.5K2.5K
HSanders
Cracker bitch
Love the unibrow!!Oh my God he looks freaking deranged.
Lord Chevy
I'm home
Oh my God he looks freaking deranged.
I can see why he wanted to avoid being known as the horror writer (following The Shining, IIRC), but soon embraced it.
HSanders
Cracker bitch
Joe flacco's derelict cousin
-J.R.R. Tolkien penned this beautiful piece of poetry…
I sit beside the fire and think
Of all that I have seen
Of meadow flowers and butterflies
In summers that have been
Of yellow leaves and gossamer
In autumns that there were
With morning mist and silver sun
And wind upon my hair
I sit beside the fire and think
Of how the world will be
When winter comes without a spring
That I shall ever see
For still there are so many things
That I have never seen
In every wood in every spring
There is a different green
I sit beside the fire and think
Of people long ago
And people that will see a world
That I shall never know
But all the while I sit and think
Of times there were before
I listen for returning feet
And voices at the door
I sit beside the fire and think
Of all that I have seen
Of meadow flowers and butterflies
In summers that have been
Of yellow leaves and gossamer
In autumns that there were
With morning mist and silver sun
And wind upon my hair
I sit beside the fire and think
Of how the world will be
When winter comes without a spring
That I shall ever see
For still there are so many things
That I have never seen
In every wood in every spring
There is a different green
I sit beside the fire and think
Of people long ago
And people that will see a world
That I shall never know
But all the while I sit and think
Of times there were before
I listen for returning feet
And voices at the door
