Talking about the "remote past" is taboo because the World State wants people living in an eternal present with no nostalgic longing for the past or curiosity about trying a traditional way of living. To the thinking of the government, looking back is emotionally unhealthy and leads to unhappiness. The Director violates this taboo by talking about his own trip to the Savage Reservation years ago because he is still emotionally attached to Linda, who was lost there. This slip embarrasses him greatly, because such strong attachments are forbidden.

Bernard brushes off the initial reprimand because he is "elated by the intoxicating consciousness of his individual significance and importance." He also doesn't imagine anything can go wrong in the Savage Reservation. He brags to Helmholtz, an embarrassing breech of social etiquette, because he is insecure and wants approval and admiration: he wants to stand out.

In part 3, Bernard reacts with tears and emotional outburst when he finds out he is being sent to Iceland. He throws himself on his knees in front of Mond and begs to be released from his fate. Finally, he has to be taken off by guards, vaporized with soma, and put to bed. Bernard reacts this way because he wants to stay at the center of the action and has no pride when he is threatened with what seems a terrible fate. In fact, as with his other reactions, this one shows he has become too much of an individual and will be happier on a remote island where conformity is not so important.