"In one sense, yes," Dr. Shaw admitted. "But in another we're actually lengthening it." The young man stared, uncomprehending. "Soma may make you lose a few years in time," the doctor went on. "But think of the enormous, immeasurable durations it can give you out of time. Every some-holiday is a bit of what our ancestors used to call eternity" (Huxley 154).
Anchor Statement: Scientific and technological advancements benefit society.
In Chapter 11, Bernard is held with high-esteem after uncovering the savage. Unlike before, he is well-known and treated with more respect (which helps him with the ladies tremendously). The Director resigns from his duty but Linda is still seen as repulsive due to her old age and behavior. Dr. Shaw (Linda's doctor) allows her to have as much soma as she desires. John (her son) questions whether this is a good idea because it could shorten her life-span. Dr. Shaw replies that although it may make her lose a few years, the pleasure she gains from it is priceless. Therefore, I qualify the statement that scientific and technological advancements benefit society because although Linda remains in a "holiday" while she is taking soma, it can be detrimental to her view of reality. In the Brave New World they focus on happiness vs. reality. Whereas in Linda's case they need to focus on reality because of the circumstances she has faced.
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