Author: Aldous Huxley
File Type: pdf
Contemporary intellectuals still struggle over the relationship of ends to means, especially in political discourse. Pacifism is still an important topic today, as terrorism and dictatorial states abound. Many will find solace in Ends and Means, while others will find the book only a case study of the relationship of ethics to politics.Aldous Huxley examines common issues in a unique fashion. How can the regression in charity through which we are living, and for which each one of us is in some measure responsible, be halted and reversed? How can existing society be transformed into the ideal society described by the prophets? How can the average sensual man and the exceptional (and more dangerous) ambitious man be transformed into a non-attached being, one who can create a society significantly better than our own?Huxley discusses the relationship between the theories and the practices of reformers and the nature of the universe. He argues that our beliefs about the ultimate nature of reality help us formulate conceptions of right and wrong, not only in our private life, but also in the sphere of politics and economics. Far from being irrelevant, our philosophical beliefs are the final determining factor in our actions. This provocative classic volume, now available in paperback, will continue to stimulate discussion and thought.Review[A] book to be read, re-read and thought about It is this combination of intense intellectual effort, intense preoccupation with ultimate truth, and intense emotional and artistic sincerity, which is the worlds first need today.The SpectatorAldous Huxley focuses attention upon the gravest moral issue of this generation the wide-spread disposition to believe that we can achieve ends which we believe to be good by means which we know quite clearly to be abominable Mr. Huxleys argument is refreshing indeed. His central thesis, the impossibility of promoting peace and charity by means of poison gas and machine guns, will remain to plague those realists and idealists who are so sure they can save the world with slaughter and murder.Otto F. Kraushaar, American Sociological ReviewIndividual political scientists, economists, and sociologists doubtless have written with more assurance on the several aspects of Huxleys social diagnosis and prescription but few are likely to bring a fresher and more masterful approach to the ultimate synthesis.Marshall E. Dimock, The American Political Science ReviewEnds and Means cannot fail to arouse the greatest interest among social science intellectuals.Talcott ParsonsAbout the AuthorAldous Huxley (1894-1963) was an English writer and editor of Oxford Poetry. He interests included parapsychology and philosophical mysticism, and he is known in many academic circles as a leader of modern thought. He is the recipient of both the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Companion of Literature by the Royal Society of Literature. His many works include Brave New World, Themes and Variations, and The Genius and the Goddess.Howard Schneiderman is professor in the department of anthropology and sociology at Lafayette College. He is the editor of The Protestant Establishment Revisited, The Hindrances to Good Citizenship, and has authored numerous articles. In addition, he has won numerous awards, including the Marquis Distinguished Teaching Award and the Crawford Award for classroom instruction.