Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
'Harrison Bergeron' is a short story written by Kurt Vonnegut, published in 1961.
In the futuristic world of “Harrison Bergeron,” the government applies physical and mental handicaps to individuals with above-average strength and intelligence in order to guarantee that all people in society are equal. While equality is often regarded as a positive condition of democratic society, Vonnegut’s dystopian portrayal of an absolutely equal society reveals how equality must be balanced with freedom and individualism in order for society to thrive.
Narrated by Rick Bailey
'Harrison Bergeron' is a short story written by Kurt Vonnegut, published in 1961.
In the futuristic world of “Harrison Bergeron,” the government applies physical and mental handicaps to individuals with above-average strength and intelligence in order to guarantee that all people in society are equal. While equality is often regarded as a positive condition of democratic society, Vonnegut’s dystopian portrayal of an absolutely equal society reveals how equality must be balanced with freedom and individualism in order for society to thrive.
Narrated by Rick Bailey
