"But why is it prohibited?" asked the Savage. In the excitement of meting a man who had read Shakespeare he had momentarily forgotten everything else. The Controller shrugged his shoulders. "Because it's old; that's the chief reason. We haven't any use for old things here." - P. 197
John, whose worldview is based on his knowledge of Shakespeares plays questions why Shakespeare is forbidden in the World State. Mond, however, is unable to give him an adequate answer. Mond says beautiful things such as literature tend to last; and the World State needs citizens who want new things. John, a consumate outsider, disagrees and believes in the intrinsic value of things rather than 'newness' such as helicopters. This passage marks another of many occasions where the World State attempts to maintain 'stability' and promote 'happiness'. According to Mond, stories written by Shakespeare don't appeal to passions and experiences that exist in the World State. Therefore, any foreign influences could result in instability.
Could living in a society where we're oblivious to certains be good? Bad?
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