Summary:
In this chapter Mond and John argue about the need for pain and religion. Religion, Mond argues, is not necessary because there is no need to be freed. Freedom is hate, anger, sadness, and the ability to truly feel and experience a range of emotions, instead of happiness. John wants this because he wants the difference; he believes this makes life interesting. Mond argues there is no need for interesting because comfort is worth more than interesting events. Neither of them really get anywhere in their arguing or come to a compromise about life and the best thing for people.
This chapter focuses on what is needed for stability. John argues the self can create a stable, but interesting life. Mond says that outside influences are completely in control of wants, likes, and morals. We are able to better understand both men through their arguments and opinions.
Lit. Elements:
On page 231 Mustapha mentions a number of philosophers and various allusions. The one that stuck out to me was Maine de Biran. He was a French philosopher of the, late, 1700s and 1800s. His opinions and theories developed over the course of his life. Ideas drawn from the French revolution and other world events influenced his works. However, for most of his life he believed that the self and our own personal thoughts were the most important. Mond mentions his name in trying to refute John. This makes sense because John’s ideas are similar to some of de Biran’s.
Vocabulary:
Adrenals –noun- a pair of ductless glands situated above the kidneys
Maine de Biran is a remote philosopher to pick out, but yes this explanation works and expands on the allusion and scene.
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