Liam Murray 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

Liam Murray Yes, in a sense. Soma isn't true mind control since it doesn't give the World State direct access to your thoughts, but it acts as an opiate or antide…moreYes, in a sense. Soma isn't true mind control since it doesn't give the World State direct access to your thoughts, but it acts as an opiate or antidepressant when anything threatens your happiness (the highest value in the World State), and removes your inhibitions. This makes it easier to escape your problems and feelings of disconnect from the World State. In chapter 3, Mustapha Mond(?) tells the children at the Conditioning Centre that it has "all the benefits of Christianity and alcohol" but "none of their defects."

(Also good to know: the word "soma" and other words that contain it come from the Greek word σῶμα meaning "body," particularly a dead or soulless body in Homer's time.)(less)

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