“WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH”
Mentioned above is a slogan in the book, which gives me chills every time I come across it. 1984 by George Orwell describes a dystopian society where totalitarianism is in practice and individualism is a crime. 1984 is a grim read that tells of a future in which something has gone horribly wrong in society resulting in the extreme oppression of the citizens of at least one superstate. It might be most famous for exploring the idea of technological mass surveillance but at its core, it is a book about the misuse of power.
Working, eating, drinking, sleeping, talking, thinking, procreating…in short, living, all are controlled by the state. Any hint of disobedience or dislike can be detected by various state apparatus such as the thought police, telescreen, or even your children, who will not hesitate to betray you to the authorities. Even language is modified in such ways that you cannot express yourself.
The past is controlled and rewritten into something that will strengthen the incumbent ruler. Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past. There is no absolute truth. The “truth” is what the state says it is. Black is white, 2+2=5, if the state says so.
Finally, I think 1984 is a must-read for everyone as it stimulates one’s intellect and looks upon different dynamics of power and control.
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