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If you’re trying to remember Huxley’s second theme in Brave New World, just remember the phrase “shop ‘til you drop.” That’s because this novel is about something you’re probably quite familiar with: Consumerism.

Video Transcription:

Imagine a society that was specifically constructed to turn you into a consumer.

Oh wait. That would be our society.

No wonder one of Huxley’s themes was the dangers of consumerism.

In one of the more absurd moments in this story, we learn that sports like soccer and basketball—sports that require very little fancy equipment—have been eliminated in favor of sports that require people to buy and use complex and expensive equipment. All for the good of society, naturally! Because how could a sport like soccer possibly stimulate the economy?

Laugh if you will, but the society Huxley is writing about actually isn’t all that far off from the one we’re living in today. Think about it. Commercials. Constant shopping. An insatiable need for MORE.

In our world, and in Huxley’s, success is measured by economic growth and prosperity. If people aren’t buying, the stability of civilization is suddenly at risk.

Of course, as we can see through Huxley’s characters, not only does rampant consumerism create unnecessary waste, but it also removes the value of anything old. Old people, old books like Shakespeare and the Bible, even history have become utterly disposable—and here’s the danger: Society is more shallow and dissatisfied than ever as a result.