The Death of the Security Goddess Securitas: Brave New World

Abstract

The term “security” comes from the word “Securitas”. Securitas was the Goddess of security and stability, in the Roman Empire. In modern times, security is often described as the absence of threat and fear. However, this conceptualization has perils of which Aldous Huxley’s novel Brave New World can be accepted as the most extreme example. In such a world there is no need for the security goddess Securitas anymore. Everything is automated from birth to death. There is no fear and nothing to be afraid of, but the price that is paid, is becoming robotic in a totalitarian society. That is why a new conceptualization and a new definition of security can help prevent and overcome this totalitarian problem. By analyzing the main themes of the BNW novel without going into the details of the events and characters; the main purpose of this paper is to examine the issue of security and its nature and to offer a new definition of security. Firstly, a very short plot of the novel will be given. Secondly, the themes and ideas of the BNW will be discussed in terms of why it is a dystopia rather than a utopia. Thirdly, BNW will be evaluated in juxtaposition with the concept of security. Finally, an alternative definition of the concept of security will be offered in order to enhance its meaning and also to be able to prevent the coming of a possible future like BNW.