We have seen many warning flags over the last century or so that indicated a strong bias against individual freedom or individualism. The most explicit flag of all was the publication of “Nineteen Eighty-Four” or “1984” by George Orwell in 1948. For those who collect such trivia, Orwell just reversed the last two digits of that year and begat 1984.
Directionally, he was spot on. He correctly specified the “what” because of his socialist ideology and his understanding of the evil that is totalitarianism. He was just early by about 20 to 25 years, depending on what we select as the most egregious act against individual freedom. I believe that the passage of the Patriot Act in 2001 or the spying program initiated by the National Security Agency in 2002/2003 could easily vie for that accolade. There are probably a host of others.
The Back Story
I read “Nineteen Eighty-Four” years ago when I was in my early 30s and barely understood its complex message. The other day, I began reading it for the second time, and I found it terrifying and disturbing, and I had read only 60 pages. Orwell’s ability to see the dark side of human nature and to describe it in words is beyond genius.
A Brief Lexicon Of Orwell’s Terms And Newspeak Words
Here are some of the terms that Orwell weaves throughout his dystopian novel: Big Brother, Big Brother Is Watching You, thought police, thought crime, Ministry of Truth (Minitrue), Ministry of Love (Miniluv), Ministry of Plenty (Miniplenty), Ministry of Peace (Minipax), facecrime, Newspeak, telescreen (an ever-present, ever-on television screen in everyone’s home), War Is Peace, Freedom Is Slavery, Ignorance Is Strength, doublethink, reality control, Two-Minutes Hate (a two-minute vocal and physical display of hate for Big Brother’s enemy), speakwrite (a device to draft the re-writing books, newspapers, etc.), and Physical Jerks (the daily exercise program for everyone). Reading these terms in the novel’s context is, as noted above, terrifying and extremely disturbing.
A Call To Action
I strongly urge everyone to buy a copy of “1984” and read it for understanding, not enjoyment. Such a society as Orwell describes is the very worst-case scenario for our world. Let’s hope his dystopian vision does not materialize.
Four Quotes To Ponder
“A people that elects corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims but accomplices.”—George Orwell
“If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face–forever.”—George Orwell
“Who controls the past, controls the future. Who controls the present, controls the past.”—Orwell’s “1984
“Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it.”—Milton Friedman