mentat answers “What is the significance of soma in the...”

Matthew Broman asked this question about Brave New World:

What is the significance of soma in the book? Is it suppose to be like a Sodium Floride/Mind Control type substance to keep the people submissive or what? If someone could help clarify that for me I would appreicate it...thank you

mentat Soma is the greek work for body. It's often used in the word psychosomatic, which means that 'what you think in your mind can actually affect your bod…moreSoma is the greek work for body. It's often used in the word psychosomatic, which means that 'what you think in your mind can actually affect your body'. I believe the author uses it in this sense. It reminds me of how a queen honeybee releases a pheromone that takes away all the stress and anxiety of the worker bees so that they can continue to do their daily tasks without revolt. (less)

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