In Brave New World, the pivotal conversation between Mustapha Mond and John the Savage delves into the nature of human struggle. John believes that struggle is essential for authentic human experience, fostering growth, resilience, and genuine emotion. For him, it’s through hardship that we find meaning and true individuality.
On the other hand, Mustapha Mond argues that stability and happiness are achieved by eliminating conflict and discomfort. In this controlled world, the absence of struggle ensures societal harmony, but at the cost of depth and authentic human experience.
In 2025, this debate feels incredibly relevant. As technology and consumerism abstract our lives, many of us become detached from the tangible outcomes of our work and the deeper struggles that shape us. The conversation between John and Mond is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing challenge and complexity, even in our modern, convenience-driven world.