After reading 1984 by George Orwell, I was so astonished by the author's vision of the future that I felt compelled to pen a few words.
Written way back in 1949 (the year the transistor was invented!) and thus far before the digital revolution started, this story has had a massive influence on political thought and highlights the need for individual freedom & privacy by depicting the degradation that follows in its absence.
This chilling story of a dystopian society taken to the extreme, reveals a dark & twisted side of human nature that lies inside every one of us. It talks about a world in which little tele-screens cover all corners of urbanized society, the party headed by "Big Brother" rules with an iron fist and nothing is private, except for the few cubic inches within your head. Several food items are strictly rationed, some prohibited entirely and even the media is completely controlled by the party. In such a situation, the media tells and the people believe. Anything or anyone that contradicts the party is either eliminated or converted.
The protagonist is Winston Smith, a middle aged man with a clerical job, who feels something is wrong with the whole picture painted by the media, and inwardly wonders if he will ever find out the real truth behind "Big Brother". But he doesn't dare to approach anyone out of fear for his life. The book is a grim story of his journey from a state of fear to hope to action and ultimately discovery.
There are several layers to the plot, but the main theme for me was that of love & hope and that we must never abandon these two most "human" feelings no matter what the odds.
A gripping read and an insightful peek into the future, where I personally believe we all are headed, but surely not within our own lifetimes!
Written way back in 1949 (the year the transistor was invented!) and thus far before the digital revolution started, this story has had a massive influence on political thought and highlights the need for individual freedom & privacy by depicting the degradation that follows in its absence.
This chilling story of a dystopian society taken to the extreme, reveals a dark & twisted side of human nature that lies inside every one of us. It talks about a world in which little tele-screens cover all corners of urbanized society, the party headed by "Big Brother" rules with an iron fist and nothing is private, except for the few cubic inches within your head. Several food items are strictly rationed, some prohibited entirely and even the media is completely controlled by the party. In such a situation, the media tells and the people believe. Anything or anyone that contradicts the party is either eliminated or converted.
The protagonist is Winston Smith, a middle aged man with a clerical job, who feels something is wrong with the whole picture painted by the media, and inwardly wonders if he will ever find out the real truth behind "Big Brother". But he doesn't dare to approach anyone out of fear for his life. The book is a grim story of his journey from a state of fear to hope to action and ultimately discovery.
There are several layers to the plot, but the main theme for me was that of love & hope and that we must never abandon these two most "human" feelings no matter what the odds.
A gripping read and an insightful peek into the future, where I personally believe we all are headed, but surely not within our own lifetimes!
Nice post man.. Am a fan of this guy. Do read his masterpiece: 'Animal Farm'.. Masterpiece of a satire ridiculing communism..
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