Promiscuity, Drugs, and Cults... oh my!

"Ford, we are twelve; oh, make us one,
    Like drops withing the Social River;
Oh, make us now together run
    As swiftly as thy shining Flivver." (pg.81)
In this section of the book, Lenina goes on her date with Henry and Bernard goes to Solidarity Service. Bernard's trip to his Solidarity Service is marked by the quatrains that the twelve members chant. These quatrains cleverly reveal some of the values of the world that Bernard lives in. Phrases such as "orgy-porgy" and "we long to die" almost make me blush reading them, which I believe is the authors way of showing the contrasting values. In one short session at Solidarity Service, a group sex ritual takes place, the members all take the drug "soma", and they appear to participate in what would today be considered cult-like actions. More bizarre still, these things are not just accepted, but expected, even required. It is difficult for me to accept this book, because so many of the values are the complete opposite of what I have been raised with. It does, however, leave my mind reeling with possibilities for the future of the world each time I step away from it.