And if ever, by some unlucky chance, anything unpleasant…
““And if ever, by some unlucky chance, anything unpleasant should somehow happen, why, there's always soma to give you a holiday from the facts. And there's always soma to calm your anger, to reconcile you to your enemies, to make you patient and long-suffering. In the past you could only accomplish these things by making a great effort and after years of hard moral training. Now, you swallow two or three half-gramme tablets, and there you are. Anybody can be virtuous now. You can carry at least half your morality about in a bottle. Christianity without tears–that's what soma is.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Modern comforts like "soma" replace the hard work of moral development, making virtue seem effortless but superficial.
In simple terms: Convenient shortcuts cheapen true moral effort.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine growth, not quick fixes.
Themes
technology
morality
convenience
illusion
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- education
- healthcare
- political policy
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
consumerism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true virtue require in today's world?
- How can societies balance comfort with moral responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on easy solutions can erode deep character.