War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength.
It had been a long time since I had read either 1984 or Brave New World. Considering how much I reference them, I figured it was time to give them another read.
1984 is just as spectacular as I remember it. Eating, sleeping and thinking are all monopolized by the state. Any form of dissent is strictly prohibited. It shows a world where fear has encouraged people to cede their power to the state.
Brave New World provides an interesting comparison. Distractions, not fear, have allowed the government to consolidate power. People care more about entertainment, drugs and sex than their freedom.
Both are examples of how governments can amass power. Both should be warnings of what happens when states become authoritarian. Both are books everyone should reread every few years.
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