That references the Latin phrase: panem et circenses Paragraph from a page describing it: It refers to a concept prevalent in ancient Rome, where the gov

That references the Latin phrase: panem et circenses Paragraph from a page describing it: It refers to a concept prevalent in ancient Rome, where the government would provide its citizens with free food and entertainment in the form of lavish spectacles, such as gladiator fights, chariot races, and theatrical performances. The phrase highlights the strategy employed by the ruling class to keep the population content and distracted from important political issues and matters of governance. Orwell and Huxleys work are both centralised (authoritarian - you had to take your Soma) whereas our current risk is possibly more systematic and less conspirational.