Soma
Soma is a fictional drug in Aldous Huxley's 1932 dystopian novel Brave New World. It is a central symbol of the novel's themes of control, escapism, and the suppression of true human emotion.
Purpose & Use: Soma is a narcotic tranquilizer distributed by the World State to ensure universal happiness and social stability. Citizens take it to instantly escape any negative emotion—such as pain, grief, or anger—providing a "holiday from reality" without the drawbacks of alcohol. It is freely available in tablet form or as an aerosol.
Effect on Society: The government encourages its use to maintain complacency and prevent unrest. By eliminating suffering, soma also eliminates deep passion, art, religion, and individuality, creating a superficially content but emotionally sterile population. It is described as the "opiate of the masses" that replaces religion.
Dangers: While promoted as having no side effects, soma is dangerous in large quantities. Linda, the mother of the protagonist John the Savage, dies from a soma overdose.
Origin: Huxley based the concept on the historical Vedic ritual drink of the same name, which was considered a "nectar of the gods."