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Robert Heinlein's idea of the perfect crowd control drug- would you take Happiness daily? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 year ago by verity_kindle@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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In Robert Heinlein's novel "Farnham's Freehold", the protagonists accidentally end up in a very technologically advanced feudal society that depends on a drug called "Happiness" to control things and keep social classes rigidly separated. The hypothesis of this question: the drug is a pleasant tasting drink you take daily. It has no known negative side effects. It rapidly induces a feeling of deep contentment, peace, clarity of mind and general satisfaction with your life. You will not become physically dependent on it. You don't have to pay anything to get it. A small, unchanging dose must be taken every day to maintain this effect, but you don't control its distribution. It is distributed by the ruling class of your society, but no one is coerced to take it, as they are psychologically dependent on it. After many centuries of Happiness distribution, no one has shown desensitization or needed a higher dose. The protagonists in the book rejected their doses, escaped briefly and were recaptured. Would you take Happiness? Why or why not?

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[–] WeirdGoesPro@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

When you find the drug that makes you bulletproof, that’s when you have a real problem on your hands.

[–] locuester@lemmy.zip 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Exactly. I self medicated for over a decade, then attempted to stop. Went insane; was wild.

[–] WeirdGoesPro@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Withdrawal is so much worse than people make it out to be. When the physical part stops, the mental part remains forever.

When I was an addict, I was able to stare down a gun in my face with no fear. Now, I may have a panic attack when my boss says they want to talk to me. Even though I know that is a human experience, once you know there is an off button, it is very hard to resist the temptation.

Luckily, I invested in people and activities that make it embarrassing/impossible for me to be that way again. It is part of my ongoing strategy to make relapse not worth it.

I still have dreams though.

[–] locuester@lemmy.zip 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Yeah well said.

I had to change a lot about life and manage my anxiety carefully. I have to stay away from social media/drama, keep only a couple close friends, walk slower, meditate, stay busy with work and hobbies. And I have to make sure everyone that I’m around is aware of my alcohol allergy - to keep me honest.

Once upon a time I was heavily involved with the church, small groups, kids ministries, etc and the treatment I got from that world during my battle to quit drinking was unreal. Even thinking about that friend group, including my ex-wife, really raises my anxiety.

I went from being very religious to hating the modern church but having a deep spiritual and personal relationship with a higher power.