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On January 24th, Apple Computer will introduce the Macintosh. And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984’.

I don’t think that our world can become a “1984” world exactly, but some aspects of it are happening – like look at suicide bombers. In the the name of religion someone gets into their minds and convinces them to kill themselves and a lot of innocent people besides. The same with a lot of wars and situations around the world. If people would only think for themselves! I truly feel that that’s what 1984 is all about, bad influence through devious and sinister ways into people’s minds. And it is going on – all around us.

I don’t think that our world can become a “1984” world exactly, but some aspects of it are happening – like look at suicide bombers. In the the name of religion someone gets into their minds and convinces them to kill themselves and a lot of innocent people besides. The same with a lot of wars and situations around the world. If people would only think for themselves! I truly feel that that’s what 1984 is all about, bad influence through devious and sinister ways into people’s minds. And it is going on – all around us.

I think you’re right, and it’s a shame. There’s a lot of people out there too lazy to think for themselves, so they literally believe whatever they’re told.
You’ve got to questions everything, all the time. Without questioning what people are teaching, how are you ever going to develop mentally?

There will always be a lot of people who are easily manipulated and controlled. But then, there should also always be some people who dare think for themselves, and if that’s true, maybe we won’t ever reach a 1984.

I believe what happens in 1984 certainly happens today. It has happened in the past too – the betrayed revolution, the individual’s subordination to a party collective, enforced class distinctions, cult of personality, concentration camps, youth leagues. I suppose it was more common during the World War eras, but we still see these sorts of things today.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that in essence, our world is like 1984 – especially in countries which don’t allow for certain freedoms and rights. Even in first world countries, our behaviour and actions are always monitored. The information that people can access about us is extraordinary.

I think the most depressing part of this book is that the man succumbs to the will of the party and to Big Brother. He gives up the spirit of rebellion and individualism and becomes part of something which is not him. Giving up your identity and true sense of self, because your world suppresses that sort of thing, is a very depressing thought.

Problem is we live in society-not in a cave by ourselves! Sometimes you have to pay a price of giving up some of your privacy for the sake of safety and protection. Sure, you wouldn’t want the police to take your fingerprints at the airport – but at the same time you wouldn’t want to get blown up because nobody checked the guy behind you who happened to be a terrorist!

The main thing is , in my opinion, the balance between Big Brother intrusion into private life and protecting innocent citizens.

Joining the police force anyone?

oLahav, I’m afraid I beg to differ – I think that many people feel that the world has this sense of alienation and emptiness just like in 1984. Not to say that the world actually is like this – it’s all subjective, I suppose, and depends on your perspective. But with everything that goes on today, with media, consumerism, politics and nonsense speak – sometimes you just want something real and raw – without any lies that seem like the truth and vice versa.

lucyinthesky- I can see why people may think our world is kind of like 1984… but at least we still have some sense of love! As long as we still have that we’re safe, I think. 1984 destroyed all irrational feelings which are part of humanity, and to me that’s the really scary part.

windwind- I agree with your point on the sacrifice of privacy for security. I think the lines are slightly changing now- you can’t even cross the border without your fingerprints getting checked. But yeah, I’m willing to do that if it means we don’t get terrorists around… I’m just entirely sure how it’ll help. I guess the police knows better than I do. Personally, I’m not a big fan of the police. They’re stopped me on the street a couple of times for no reason, but that’s another story.