mackenzie's post #1 - The Nature of Change and Human Reaction

Change is exciting. Change is new. Change is beginning. Change is generally structured to better any particular need. The most fundamental need to modern society is society itself. Because we have evolved into a species which depends on his neighbor, we will sacrifice individual desires for the good of the group. Even so, what is good for the group is typically good for its members as well. So, when any kind of change presents itself that may be beneficial to a common group, or a common goal, it will almost immediately have a certain intrigue that, despite possible consequences to its effect, will evoke immense enthusiasm and gain strong influence within a body of people.

Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World captures the excitement that arises when the D.H.C. (Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning) of a dystopian society announces to a group of students that the “principal of mass production at last applied to biology” (7). In describing the process which would produce “Ninety-six identical twins working ninety-six identical machines!” (7), Huxley describes the director’s voice as “almost tremulous with enthusiasm” (7). There is no doubt that any form of advancement, particularly technological in this day in age, is bound to interest many and gain a great deal of attention and significance to a society.

The only down side to such advancement is the sacrifice of the individual. With “Ninety-six identical twins working ninety-six identical machines!” (7), the personal touch quality is lost. The backbone to this change, however, is the “planetary motto,” “Community, Identity, Stability” (7). This slogan is what causes the individual to surrender their rights and, instead, perpetuate the values of society through whatever change it deems necessary.