How George Orwell predicted the world Today
We all have heard of the much controversial book 1984, which though written in 1949, stays relevant in all the eras. This book has time ad again banned and challenged for its social and political themes and its sexual content.
The Book warns the readers of the dangers of totalitarianism. It shows how extreme level of control and power is possible under totalitarian regime, and how such a governmental system can impact society and the people who live in it.
1984 in the modern society
Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.
Through various themes and scenes, George Orwell has preducted some truth about the 21st century. Some of them include:
a. Telescreens
Book: The omnipresent telescreens of 1984 are a two-way televisions through which propaganda is broadcasted and also the viewers are ‘watched.
Today: This is similar to the Smart TVs we all have in our lviign rooms. Various companes have accepted that some of the TV models listen to users and record the information. Even the terms ad conditions mention clearly that the information can be recorded and sent to a third part.
b. Voice Commands:
Book: In the book it mentions that Winston did not know hw to hold a pen. He was not used to writing by hand, as apart from short notes, everything was dictated to the speakwrite.
Today: We have various apps that rely on voice commands. You can just say what work you want done and what you want to type, and it is done.
c. Cameras everywhere
Book: When Winston with his lover travels to the countryside, he sees cameras everywhere to watch over the population.
Today: Now we are surrounded by Cameras at home, on the street, mall, shops everywhere.
d. Machine generated Entertainment
Book: The book mentions Prolefeed — trashy entertainment for the masses — which is monitored and generated by machines.
Today: Games today are level based, each of which is machine generated and are automated to ensure maximum customer enagagement through the use of gamification.
So no matter how much we condemn the book for being too political, it talks only about the truth. The truth that we are too afraid to accept.
The best books… are those that tell you what you know already
If you are someone who has not read 1984, it is a must read. It will not just help you get an insight into George Orwell’s society, but also help you in understanding the today’s society better.
