In the end the Party would announce that two and two made five, and you would have to believe it. It was inevitable that they should make that claim sooner or later: the logic of their position demanded it. Not merely the validity of experience, but the very existence of external reality, was tacitly denied by their philosophy. The heresy of heresies was common sense. And what was terrifying was not that they would kill you for thinking otherwise, but that they might be right. For, after all, how do we know that two and two make four? Or that the force of gravity works? Or that the past is unchangeable? If both the past and the external world exist only in the mind, and if the mind itself is controllable – what then?
I remember reading "1984" in the same year because I read an article on it and puzzling over that passage. I was ten. I never thought one day this would actually become reality in the US.
I read it in 2002 and still had no idea it would become reality. Just couldn't imagine how such a thing would be possible. In 2004 I started seeing things I didn't like but still never imagined that it would go this far. By 2012 I knew better.
Thanks for that quote. It finally connected for me why the mask mandates are so infuriating.
I have read enough studies to conclude masks are ineffective as disease-control devices. That science tells me 2+2=4. And yet tyrannical officials are "mandating" wearing masks, and any random piece of cloth counts. To "stop the spread" of a virus, which they clearly cannot do.
That tells me government is declaring 2+2=5, and they are demanding that I agree, visibly, by wearing a mask. They are now even ramping up the pressure, by beginning to fine people who don't comply, using financially coercion, without any legislative action. It's simply tyrannical fiat.
That finally connected the dots for me!
In the end of 1984, poor Winston finally capitulates and says 2+2=5. Ultimately, as hard as he fought, the relentless pressure finally got to him. I'm afraid our entire culture is similarly giving in to this.
It's hard to cancel him when they're using his book as a how-to manual. I just read the book for the first time in March and its incredible how many things I've seen them do that were lifted right out of the book.
In Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell writes:
I remember reading "1984" in the same year because I read an article on it and puzzling over that passage. I was ten. I never thought one day this would actually become reality in the US.
I read it in 2002 and still had no idea it would become reality. Just couldn't imagine how such a thing would be possible. In 2004 I started seeing things I didn't like but still never imagined that it would go this far. By 2012 I knew better.
Thanks for that quote. It finally connected for me why the mask mandates are so infuriating.
I have read enough studies to conclude masks are ineffective as disease-control devices. That science tells me 2+2=4. And yet tyrannical officials are "mandating" wearing masks, and any random piece of cloth counts. To "stop the spread" of a virus, which they clearly cannot do.
That tells me government is declaring 2+2=5, and they are demanding that I agree, visibly, by wearing a mask. They are now even ramping up the pressure, by beginning to fine people who don't comply, using financially coercion, without any legislative action. It's simply tyrannical fiat.
That finally connected the dots for me!
In the end of 1984, poor Winston finally capitulates and says 2+2=5. Ultimately, as hard as he fought, the relentless pressure finally got to him. I'm afraid our entire culture is similarly giving in to this.
Random piece of cloth = preparation for burkas.
Edit: BTW, this is an excellent explanation of the masks.
Except the burkha/hijab is strictly for women. Though I do get your intention.
"Freedom is the freedom to say 2 + 2 = 4. Once that is granted, everything else follows."
How long before Orwell is cancelled?
It's hard to cancel him when they're using his book as a how-to manual. I just read the book for the first time in March and its incredible how many things I've seen them do that were lifted right out of the book.
Maybe Trump needs a new campaign logo, MOFA - Make Orwell Fiction Again.