Brave New World Science Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Part.Paragraph)

Quote #13

"In the end," said Mustapha Mond, "the Controllers realized that force was no good. The slower but infinitely surer methods of ectogenesis, neo-Pavlovian conditioning and hypnopædia…" (3.184)

Rock smashes scissors, scissors cut paper, paper covers rock, and science beats force. The question is, is there a difference between control by "force" and control by "science?" Can "science" be seen as just another—if more sophisticated—form of violence?

Quote #14

"It only remained to conquer old age."

[…]

"All the physiological stigmata of old age have been abolished. And along with them, of course…"

[…]

"Along with them all the old man's mental peculiarities. Characters remain constant throughout a whole lifetime." (3.228-235)

Old age is dangerous for a number of reasons in Brave New World. Mustapha argues that man thinks more in his old age. Of course, this means that thought itself—like scienceis inherently dangerous. Physical deterioration remained a problem, but the fact that old age is defined as a problem at all reflects the State's stance that individuals exist only to serve the community.

Quote #15

Henry Foster had had his machine wheeled out of its lock-up and, when Lenina arrived, was already seated in the cockpit, waiting.

"Four minutes late," was all his comment, as she climbed in beside him.

[…]

"There's the Red Rocket," said Henry, "just come in from New York." Looking at his watch. "Seven minutes behind time," he added, and shook his head. (4.1.29-32)

Henry's character reflects an obsession with exactitude in the new world.