2020: Orwell or Huxley? | The Spectator Australia

One need not be a Hebrew prophet of old to be able to discern the times and give more or less accurate assessments of where things are heading. Plenty of secular prophets have been doing pretty well in warning us about an ominous future — albeit without the divine inspiration. 

The dystopian novels by George Orwell (1984) and Aldous Huxley (Brave New World) of course spring to mind here. And debate has taken place as to who was more on the money. While we can learn plenty from each author – especially as we see elements of their grim forecasts increasingly coming to pass – we may have to tip the scales in favour of Huxley. 

Sure, I quote from both routinely, and they both gave us important warnings. But the way…