Aldous Huxley was an English writer and philosopher, best known for his dystopian novel 'Brave New World'. He was a prominent figure in the literary and philosophical communities of his time, and his works continue to be studied and admired today.
Born in Surrey, England in 1894.
Studied English literature at Oxford University.
Began publishing poetry and short stories in the 1910s.
Wrote his first novel, 'Crome Yellow', in 1921.
Achieved widespread recognition with the publication of 'Brave New World' in 1932.
Continued to write novels, essays, and non-fiction throughout his life.
Died in Los Angeles, California in 1963.
British author and journalist, best known for his dystopian novel '1984' and his work as a political commentator and essayist.
Russian-American novelist and philosopher, best known for her novels 'The Fountainhead' and 'Atlas Shrugged' and her philosophy of Objectivism.
American author best known for his science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories, including 'Fahrenheit 451' and 'The Martian Chronicles'.
A dystopian novel set in a future society where people are genetically engineered and conditioned to be content with their predetermined social roles.
A utopian novel set on a remote Pacific island where the inhabitants live in harmony with nature and practice a form of spirituality called 'the Perennial Philosophy'.
An essay about Huxley's experiences with the psychoactive drug mescaline and its potential for inducing mystical experiences.
Huxley's most famous work is 'Brave New World', a dystopian novel set in a future society where people are genetically engineered and conditioned to be content with their predetermined social roles.
Huxley was influenced by a variety of philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Vedanta, Buddhism, and the works of philosophers like Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. He believed in the possibility of transcending the limitations of the human ego and experiencing a higher state of consciousness.
The Perennial Philosophy is a concept developed by Huxley that refers to a universal wisdom or truth that can be found at the core of religious and philosophical traditions from around the world.
Huxley's ideas about spirituality, consciousness, and the potential of psychedelic drugs were influential in the counterculture of the 1960s, particularly among proponents of the 'hippie' movement. His book 'The Doors of Perception' was a significant influence on musician Jim Morrison and the band The Doors.
Huxley is often compared to other dystopian and science-fiction authors, such as George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, and Margaret Atwood. His interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality also invites comparison to authors like Hermann Hesse and Alan Watts.