In "Brave New World," Lenina and Bernard are visiting the Savage reservation and witnessing the whipping ceremony. Normally Lenina would have been loaded up on soma at this point in time, but considering she left it back at the hotel she has no choice but to view this savagery with a clear state of mind; driving her near hysteria. In this society adults use the drug called soma; a tranquilizer used to eliminate any feelings of pain or passion, It is second nature for citizens to reach for soma in luxury activities, vacations, upon experiencing any sudden emotion, or for any reason at all. These actions prevents people from feeling any real emotion whether it be joy, sorrow, grief, and love. All of these are crucial and natural parts of human life as they deepen one's connection with others and their own character. This is one of the ways citizens in the society of Brave New World are dehumanized. Further, the distance between emotion and neutrality are so short that individuals are always content and simply do not have the time to think and question. This is exemplified through Bernard Marx, the odd and solitary fellow who refuses to take soma. It is only him who recognizes the brokenness and shallowness of the supposedly utopian society, however his opinions disturb and frighten others such as Lenina, who are so far conditioned away from natural humanity .
"And that,' put in the Director sententiously, ˜that is the secret if happiness and virtue- liking what you've got to do. All conditioning aims at that: making people like their own unescapable destiny. " (p.16).
This quote comes is a segment from the Director's speech as he graciously shares some of his wisdom with the young students. The first part of his quote is perfectly acceptable; it is true that if you like what you do in life you are most likely happy. It is the second part that is troublesome and disturbing. Aside from genetic engineering, social conditioning is the main method used by the World State to ensure stability and ultimately enslave the population.
