BNW Project:
Seminar Pre-write:What is the overall message of Brave New World?
The overall message of BNW is what has this world come to and what will the world see. This book shows what the world may come to and it shows the flaws in it. Also it gives us as the readers an idea of happiness, it stirs our ideas and it makes us realize what we believe in. The overall message is just to show us what truth is. In what ways has Brave New World made me think about the concept of happiness? BNW has shaken my head to realize the truth. It has showed that true happiness is found in struggle and beauty and not just the pleasures of worldly things. Also it showed me how great achievements can obtain happiness much more then letting it simply come to you. Through all their norms in the book it has shown me true happiness and the rewards of struggle. What does John mean by saying nothing in civilization costs enough? He is saying there is no struggle and no steps to take to achieve happiness. He is saying all this "happiness" comes so easily to them that it is meaningless. Also that there is no pain in life, nothing that is really worth staying with because there is no compassion. You don’t really have to work for anything, you feel no achievement or happiness after a great accomplishment. How much of our society do I think is focused on comfort and how much do I think is focused on truth and beauty? I believe that most of our society is focused on comfort. I think this because people don’t want to know what’s going on in the world they just want to stay focused on their selves, to make sure I have my allowance, my skateboard, make sure I have the newest stuff, make sure I get that raise. Most people are focused on comfort, I would say 80%. The people that focus on truth and beauty care about what is happening in the world and they try to do something about our problems in the world. They want the truth and they want beauty. |
Seminar Reflection:In the seminar there was one quote that I thought was very interesting and it
really got a point through. The quote was "If you go to the store and you see this wonderful dress and you really want it and then you buy it, that happiness will not last long because you haven’t earned it in some way." I thought this quote was very moving and after this quote was spoken, it got everyone thinking deeper. We all branched off this quote for a good section of the seminar. I loved this quote because she basically said that happiness is not a material. In the seminar I thought I did well by connecting my statements with examples from our world, my life, and the book. I think I have grown a lot since the last seminar because last seminar I was much shyer and I spoke less. Also I was monotone in the first seminar when I did speak. The worst part about the last seminar was whenever I would try to speak I would be to slow and someone else would be speaking already. Now, this recent seminar went very well. I had confidence in myself, I was fast, I made connections, and I wasn’t shy. What I took away from this book was a deeper understanding of what I believe in and it helped me realize exactly what I think is right and is messed up. This book has made me really understand a lot more. It has tested my beliefs in every way. One thing that I will take away is the understanding of true happiness. Also this book has given me a stronger perspective. |