What Old Books Can Teach Us

We constantly search for dinosaur bones to understand our beginnings. But what about the "bones" of books—those written centuries ago that remain largely unread and unexamined by modern eyes? These texts hold valuable insights and lessons that can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our history.

1984 by George Orwell is one of the most frequently banned books. Not wanting to miss out on its insights, I listened to the full 11-hour audiobook—a great companion for daily walks and a real eye-opener, despite being fictional.

"He was a fattish but active man of paralysing stupidity, a mass of imbecile enthusiasms—one of those completely unquestioning, devoted drudges on whom, even more than on the Thought Police, the stability of the Party depended."

This quote reflects Winston Smith, the main character, as he describes a fellow employee who embodies blind passion for the Party's goals. His loyalty is rooted more in unquestioning devotion than in thoughtful understanding. Similarly, this dynamic can be observed among some political followers today who exhibit unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm for a presidential and vice presidential candidate without critical examination, thereby stabilizing their movement. Unfortunately, I’ve seen Trump supporters sharing quotes by Orwell, seemingly oblivious to the parallels with the leader they support.

This quote reflects Winston Smith, the main character, as he describes a fellow employee who embodies a blind passion for the Party's goals. His loyalty is driven more by unquestioning devotion than by thoughtful understanding. Similarly, this dynamic can be seen in some political followers today, who display unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm for divisive politicians without critical examination, thereby reinforcing their movement.