I picked up this book because I’m a fan of Aldous Huxley’s writing of dystopian futures, theoretical, spiritual readings and obviously Brave New World.

This may be one of my favorite reads of all-time. Something I feel everyone should read in their lifetime.

Here’s my Goodreads review/initial thoughts after finishing it today:

A brilliant book. A book that shows and shines a light on how we have all we need to live in a perfect world, a perfect society, that balances both the light and the dark, the East and West, and how we can realistically achieve that, in both mind, body, relationship, community, upbringing… It’s utterly fascinating. And yet, we do everything we can to not do so, as our world leaders have been consumed with wealth, greed and power.

It’s fascinating how Huxley puts us into the mind of Will Farnaby, as he lands on an island and encounters all its peoples and villagers, as he becomes fascinated and wants to learn their ways. He comes across people who challenge their ways, trying to impose their power and control over the Pala people.

Much of it is so telling of our world and society. And I was mesmerized by stories and meditations that drew us into the present moment… “Attention. Attention,” the mynah birds always call. “Here and now!” A beautiful reminder that always takes us out of the storytelling into remembering the present. Even his writings of the moksha-medicine and its healing, self-transcendent powers are palpable, felt, and read like a dream. Absolutely beautiful and poetic.

“We shall be permitted to live on this planet only for as long as we treat all nature with compassion and intelligence,” he writes.

I’ve been a big fan of Huxley’s Brave New World, as many others may be familiar with. But this by far was my favorite read. And, as I’m a bit older into my 30s and have lived some of my angsty youth and early adulthood, realizing and seeing much of how the world is and how it can be fixed, this book gives us a real tangible way of how to achieve a good society, of peace, compassion, presence. It is timeless and telling, and I feel like this should be required reading for all people, to help steer us into a better, more realized world and conscience. To help us all move towards a fuller, more realized human existence.

Read from: Jun 23, 2025 – Jul 03, 2025

Best,

Rachel