Power Of Thought In George Orwell's 1984
Ayn Rand, a 20th century novelist once wrote, “Thinking men cannot be ruled.” While others may have an influence on what we think, they can not control it. What one can imagine is unlimited. This is why the idea of thought is such a wonder, and so powerful. This is also why in George Orwell’s 1984, the Party tries to obtain what its citizens are thinking, and direct it. As Victor Hugo, a 19th century poet once said, “All the forces in the world are not so powerful as an idea whose time has come.” An idea is priceless, which is why what one can think is so incredible. However, this is also why thought can be a bad thing. An idea can be harmful to a society, or even the world if it is used to There are plenty of physical and psychological ways
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In 1984, the Party uses “telescreens” to try and control what the citizens of Oceania are thinking and what they think about the Party. A telescreen is a monitor, almost like a television, that can talk, announce news regarding the Party, read one’s heartbeat and pulse, and also report one to Party officials. These screens make one think twice about what they are doing, or what they will do. Orwell states, “It was terribly dangerous to let your thoughts wander when you were in any public place or within range of a telescreen. The smallest thing could give you away. A nervous tic, an unconscious look of anxiety, a habit of muttering to yourself – anything that carried with it the suggestion of abnormality, of having something to hide.” This is an example of their propaganda as well. In Winston’s apartment, the telescreen can see him from almost every angle, except in one little corner. This is no different then when one goes to the bank or the supermarket. There are cameras all over, making sure no one steals, attempts a robbery, or does something suspicious. The telescreens also record one’s movements and voice. They hold information about everyone, especially who they are watching. Orwell says, “Winston kept his back turned to the telescreen. It was safer, though, as he well knew, even a back can be revealing.” This is how insane the issue of privacy and power is in Oceania.
In 1984, the Party uses “telescreens” to try and control what the citizens of Oceania are thinking and what they think about the Party. A telescreen is a monitor, almost like a television, that can talk, announce news regarding the Party, read one’s heartbeat and pulse, and also report one to Party officials. These screens make one think twice about what they are doing, or what they will do. Orwell states, “It was terribly dangerous to let your thoughts wander when you were in any public place or within range of a telescreen. The smallest thing could give you away. A nervous tic, an unconscious look of anxiety, a habit of muttering to yourself – anything that carried with it the suggestion of abnormality, of having something to hide.” This is an example of their propaganda as well. In Winston’s apartment, the telescreen can see him from almost every angle, except in one little corner. This is no different then when one goes to the bank or the supermarket. There are cameras all over, making sure no one steals, attempts a robbery, or does something suspicious. The telescreens also record one’s movements and voice. They hold information about everyone, especially who they are watching. Orwell says, “Winston kept his back turned to the telescreen. It was safer, though, as he well knew, even a back can be revealing.” This is how insane the issue of privacy and power is in Oceania.