A book that I am currently reading in my long list of must-read literature... The most fascinating aspect of this novel (Re: novel was written in 1931!) is how many of the imagined future's possibilities have actually come into existence or have very strong parallels to our present world. This includes test tube babies, cloning of humans, the rise of rampant consumerism, the focus on instant gratification, the increasing reliance on mood altering drugs, etc. This is certainly a book that I’d recommended for you to get an idea of how far our current world has moved toward to becoming a world close to, if not identical to World State.
And since I am not good at describing the story to you, you can read the complete review here.
Extract:
... Brave New World revolves around the idea of totalitarianism and is set in a futuristic world where a combination of science and pleasure form a rather feudalistic society. This idea of totalitarianism is achieved through test tube babies, and hypnotism, resulting in a pre-ordained caste system consisting of intelligent humans suited to the highest positions and conversely, serf-like beings genetically programmed to carry out menial works. In this world of Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas and the unfortunate Epsilons, exists drug-induced happiness, caused by what is known as soma. Here, "everyone belongs to everyone else" emphasizing the system of forced promiscuity, brainwashed into the people from the moment of birth. At the core of this book is the horrific idea of eugenics and despite being written several decades ago, its message remains valid for our generation.
Brave New World explores the negatives of a ostensibly successful world in which everyone appears to be content and satisfied, with excessive carnal pleasures yet really, this stability is only achieved by sacrificing freedom in its true sense and the idea of personal responsibility.
I think this book is really interesting as it explores the dangers of technology and what it can do to a whole world; indeed, Huxley is trying to convey the idea that technology does not have the power to save us successfully. This theme is what makes the novel controversial - yet a classic that we can relate to, especially in today's world, where technology is close enough to ruling our lives, what with high tech computers, music players and gaming consoles fast becoming a natural part of our lives. Additionally, Brave New World explores the idea of just how far science can go without being immoral. Would we really want to live in a world where eugenics rule and despite everyone being equal on the surface, deep underneath bubbles the idea of inequality and unfairness? Not for me, thanks! The novel presents the contradictory idea of a Utopia, a perfect world, yet the word "utopia" is derived from two Greek words meaning "good place" and "no place"; this suggests that the perfect world is impossible.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
ishot: The Adventures of Tintin
@ Singapore Philatelic Museum... from 5 November 2011 - May 2012.
The Adventures of Tintin is a series of comic albums created by Belgian artist Remi Georges (1907–1983), who wrote under the pen name of Hergé.
Tintin is the famous young reporter in the comic series created by Belgian Georges Remi, also known as Hergé (22 May 1907 - 3 March 1983). Tintin and his dog companion, Snowy, enjoyed exciting adventures that took them to various places in the world such as Tibet, Congo, America, Russia and even the moon!
View the full range of Tintin postage stamps issued by Belgium, France and the Netherlands from the museum's Universal Postal Union Collection. Rarely seen original stamp artworks, colour trials, and other philatelic materials from the Museum Voor Communicatie, the Netherlands, and Musée de La Poste in France are on display for the first time in Singapore.
Enjoy the photos =)
An interesting read that I found online; Click here to read the mini-Tintin FAQ, because the Tintinverse can be a weird and unwelcoming place for newcomers.
The Adventures of Tintin is a series of comic albums created by Belgian artist Remi Georges (1907–1983), who wrote under the pen name of Hergé.
Tintin is the famous young reporter in the comic series created by Belgian Georges Remi, also known as Hergé (22 May 1907 - 3 March 1983). Tintin and his dog companion, Snowy, enjoyed exciting adventures that took them to various places in the world such as Tibet, Congo, America, Russia and even the moon!
View the full range of Tintin postage stamps issued by Belgium, France and the Netherlands from the museum's Universal Postal Union Collection. Rarely seen original stamp artworks, colour trials, and other philatelic materials from the Museum Voor Communicatie, the Netherlands, and Musée de La Poste in France are on display for the first time in Singapore.
Enjoy the photos =)
Pencil sketches of the comics
Zoom in for a closer look
Rarely seen original stamp artworks, colour trials and other philatelic materials from the Museum Voor Communicatie in the Netherlands and L’Adresse Musée de La Poste in France.
Pop up books give a new dimension to the classic adventures of Tintin.
Figurines based on the comics.
You can browse Tintin comics for free here! (PS: Only 2 books available.)
The 24 official comic strip albums written by Hergé.
An interesting read that I found online; Click here to read the mini-Tintin FAQ, because the Tintinverse can be a weird and unwelcoming place for newcomers.
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