End Review: 1984

            One of the lessons that 1984 drives home really well is the idea that perspective is, in some sense, everything.  As the reader, I predicted that this “negative utopia” would “end in a blunt, horrific way.”  For me, this was the case, because (spoiler) Smith finally succumbed to the Party and convinced himself to give what was left of his heart to the regime.  “He loved Big Brother” (245) (end spoiler).  Throughout the entire book, I tagged along as Smith fought against the totalitarian powers that so desperately wanted to squeeze the life out of him.  To see him give in with such helplessness was disappointing, to say the least.

            On the other hand, Smith had been changed so much that for him, to love Big Brother seemed like an instinct.  I think this is one of, if not the, primary points that Orwell wants to drive home.  When an individual or group wields so much control that the subjects they govern are no longer themselves, all hope is lost.  When we are stripped of rhyme and reason, we become automatons.  As a thinking, somewhat rational human being, the thought of no longer being in control of my own mind is frightening.

            Luckily, we are not, at least in America, at that point.  There is a difference between privacy and sanity.  Privacy induces the notion that there must be something other than existence in the public eye, while sanity suggests control over one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions.  When people exploded over the news about the NSA, they were concerned about privacy, and yet they seemed (at least to me) to be reacting to the issue of sanity.  As far as I know, all the NSA was doing was collecting bulk amounts of data.  Unless an individual raised suspicion, no single person was tagged.  However, people felt like their lives were being intruded upon, that every move they made, every sound they uttered, was being scrutinized.  Again, as far as I know, that’s just not true.  After reading 1984, I certainly don’t think data collection should go any further in the sense that all individuals suddenly are watched and monitored.  In cases where individuals were targeted for strategic -- not security -- purposes, that needs to stop, but as long as we can think freely and critically (in other words, as sane humans) people should stop criticizing the NSA.

            Back to the subject of 1984.  One of the ideas that really stuck with me was the notion “that if you want to keep a secret you must also hide it from yourself” (231).  In a world where individuals really are scrutinized, locking any revealing information away from even yourself appears to be one of the most valuable survival tools.  I simply cannot imagine having to lockdown my own mind.

            I have never read a dystopian novel in its entirety, and after finishing 1984, I must say they are quite fascinating.  While they tell of bleak futures, they also offer insight into the present, when there is still hope.  I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who cares about mankind.  Check back for insights and commentary on the next book I’ll be reading (Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell)!