albertnormandy t1_j11k3ku wrote on December 21, 2022 at 12:08 AM

This is the same debate that happens in the Matrix universe. Is it better to live in dumb bliss or experience the miserable truth?

There is no objective answer to this question that applies to all people. Huxley seemed to think that even in such a "perfect" world there would be some who question things, meaning that the reprogramming of humanity can never be complete. To those people the world is a dystopia. But if you're fine just taking Soma every night then there is nothing to worry about.

SpindlySpiders t1_j11v9mj wrote on December 21, 2022 at 1:32 AM

>This is the same debate that happens in the Matrix universe. Is it better to live in dumb bliss or experience the miserable truth?

Reminds me something from Hitchhiker's Guide.

>Oglaroon is a large forest planet. The entire intelligent population of the planet lives in one small nut tree. They partake in the smaller version of life, and some speculate other life exists on other nut trees. These 'heretics' are thrown out of the tree. Most dwellers agree any other trees are merely an illusion brought on by eating too many Oglanuts. When one of the dwellers dies, they are strapped to one of the less accessible outer branches of the tree. All beings are guilty of the same small-mindedness to some extent.

SnooAdvice4813 OP t1_j11lve5 wrote on December 21, 2022 at 12:21 AM

I mean thats the “crack a few eggs to make an omelette” type of situation, right? Fundamentally speaking, a-lot more people will suffer and die in a world without such technological advancements and scientific control. So perhaps, although not perfect, it is still a better alternative.

albertnormandy t1_j11vefk wrote on December 21, 2022 at 1:33 AM

And you've touched on another basic philosophical debate. It's easy to break someone else's eggs, not so much your own.

SpindlySpiders t1_j11uyxz wrote on December 21, 2022 at 1:30 AM

Maybe. I think this question is the whole point of the novel.