These are interesting times that we’re living in. Whenever society begins to take a turn for the weird, people often begin going back to literary works that predicted just how bizarre the future might be.
The book 1984 by George Orwell is chief among these works of dystopian literature. If you love a good piece of fiction that is true to life, you’ll want to dive into this book. But that begs the question — are we living in a dystopian future as we speak?
We’re happy to explore that idea. Here’s what you should know about dystopian futures and whether or not we’re in the midst of one as we speak.
What is 1984 All About?
The book 1984 is a piece of futuristic social commentary that was published in 1949. It deals with a number of core themes, such as widespread surveillance by the state, repressive regimes, propaganda, and groupthink.
In 1984, the world has been at war, and Great Britain is now run by a charismatic dictator that has a stronghold and presence in just about every facet of life. They have a Thought Police that controls how people think, propaganda plastered everywhere, and a variety of techniques for brainwashing the masses.
Are We Living in Orwellian Times?
It’s clear that we’re in an interesting time that harkens back to many of the themes explored in 1984. In terms of mass surveillance, people today are beginning to understand that any data they share on a digital device has the potential to be shared with other parties.
When you sign up for apps or use certain websites, there are long disclaimers that explain that your data may be shared, or they ask you to opt-in. Social media outlets have been taken to court over the sharing of data.
Politics are more of a circus than ever, with charismatic leaders trying to outdo each other, many having more bluster than substance. The phenomenon of canceling people entered the public lexicon, which may remind 1984 fans of the Thought Police.
So could 1984 become a reality? Well, in a sense, you could say that we’re already there. Sure, it’s not as over the top as the book 1984, but you can definitely see seeds being planted that will continue to blur the lines between reality and fiction in the coming years.
Check out the 1984 audiobook so that you can kick back and enjoy a classic. While you’re at it, there are also some other works of fiction that you may want to look into that explore the modern dystopia.
Make sure to check out works by Aldus Huxley, who is responsible for books that have stood the test of time like Brave New World, Island, and The Doors of Perception.
Explore the Prospect of Dystopian Futures
Today’s times show that dystopian futures aren’t as far off as we may have thought. If you’re thinking about exploring this topic further, there’s an entire genre you can explore.
In the meantime, we’ve got you covered when you’re on a fact-finding mission of any variety. Check out our other posts to keep learning about the matters that are most pressing in our world right now.
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