Neil Postman highlights the contrasting fears of George Orwell and Aldous Huxley regarding the future of society and information. Orwell was concerned about censorship and the power of authorities to control knowledge by banning books. In contrast, Huxley worried that an overwhelming abundance of information would lead to apathy and a disinterest in reading, diluting the value of knowledge itself.

Postman's insights suggest that both scenarios pose threats to intellectual engagement. While Orwell's vision warns us of the dangers of oppression and the loss of critical information, Huxley's warns of a society where the pleasure of information overload leads to disengagement. This critique is evident in Ben Sasse's work, where he discusses the need for fostering self-reliance and a culture that values meaningful knowledge and personal growth.