Orwell’s ideas remain profoundly relevant across various contexts and cultures.
George Orwell was born 25 June 1903 in Motihari, Bengal, an Anglo Indian with command over Hindustani and Burmese. He worked in Myanmar. He is very relevant to any understanding of the Woke ecosystem of propaganda and fake news in the age of AI and social media. “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows,” proclaimed Eric Arthur Blair, known to the world as George Orwell. Born in India and shaped by his experiences in England, Orwell’s life spanned diverse roles as a writer, journalist, soldier, and astute observer of societal dynamics. His literary compositions span around themes from politics and society to economics and philosophy, which continue to captivate global audiences, most notably through his seminal works “Animal Farm”, “The Road to Wigan Pier” and “1984”. These works starkly illuminate the dangers of ideological fervour and the erosion of rational thought under oppressive regimes.
Orwell’s influence transcends intellectual circles, permeating popular culture and literary discourse everywhere. One can see T-shirts to posters based on 1984 featured in the markets and even cafes. He introduced terms such as “Thought Police,” “Big Brother,” “Doublespeak” and “Newspeak,” which are now used unconsciously in describing totalitarian regimes. His critical scrutiny of totalitarianism and communist ideologies foreshadowed global developments in the latter half of the 20th century. Yet, his warnings often went unheeded until reality starkly confirmed their validity.
RELEVANCE OF ORWELL
Orwell’s ideas remain profoundly relevant across various contexts and cultures. His concept of the panopticon resonates deeply in today’s era of ubiquitous technological surveillance, prompting profound reflections on privacy and individual autonomy. Balancing government vigilance with personal privacy continues to pose a significant challenge, making Orwell’s insights indispensable.
Furthermore, the emergence of AI introduces new complexities, including concerns about its potential misuse and manipulation. Orwell’s observations on human nature are particularly enlightening in understanding how biases can infiltrate the programming and training of AI systems. This issue is compounded by the development of self-learning computers, which, rather than surpassing human intelligence, can magnify and perpetuate the biases inherent in their design.
Take, for instance, Google’s Gemini, the latest AI innovation allowing users to instruct it to generate images from text instructions. While Gemini generates images at lightning speed, it often distorts historical facts to promote inclusivity in terms of race, gender, or sexuality. For example, requesting an image of Caesar at the Rubicon might show a depiction of a person of colour leading an ethnically diverse army. Historically, Caesar and his army were predominantly white. This enforcement of manipulated facts mirrors scenes straight out of 1984.
In addressing these multifaceted challenges, Orwell’s warnings about unchecked surveillance and the ethical dimensions of technology serve as a critical foundation. They emphasize the need for rigorous ethical standards and vigilant oversight in the development and deployment of AI, ensuring these technologies uphold fundamental human rights and values.
LANGUAGE AND THOUGHT CONTROL
Orwell’s critiques, rooted in specific historical contexts, possess enduring relevance in today’s social and political landscapes. His keen observations on ideological conformity and the emergence of “woke culture” resonate deeply in contemporary discourse. Orwell presciently warned against the dangers of stifling dissenting voices through imposed norms on speech and thought.
Ironically, recent attempts to discredit Orwell as a relic of the past overlook his profound contributions, often dismissing him as outdated or morally suspect by today’s evolving standards. Yet, as Orwell himself noted, the significance of his insights is contingent on the times in which they are considered, emphasizing the need to learn from historical perspectives rather than impose current judgments retroactively.
His assertion his “his subject-matter will be determined by the age he lives in,” underscores the enduring relevance of his work. Criticizing Orwell through the lens of present-day sensibilities risks missing the broader lessons to be gleaned from his writings. Instead, we should engage thoughtfully with the insights offered by great thinkers, recognizing that every historical figure, including Orwell, presents complexities when viewed through modern perspectives.
INDIVIDUAL INTEGRITY AND MORAL COURAGE
Orwell’s timeless warning, “do remember that dishonesty and cowardice always have to be paid for,” resonates profoundly in today’s world, highlighting the enduring consequences of moral compromise on individuals and societies alike. Throughout his seminal works and thought-provoking columns, Orwell consistently underscored the critical importance of integrity and courage as foundational virtues necessary for achieving genuine freedom.
Beyond his keen satirical insights, Orwell’s mastery of language is a hallmark often overlooked. His ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and accessibility remains unmatched, making his writings not only incisive but also widely comprehensible—a rare feat in contemporary intellectual discourse. In a landscape where elitism can alienate the public from profound thinkers, Orwell’s approach serves as a poignant reminder of the power of simplicity in conveying profound truths.
By employing straightforward language without sacrificing depth, Orwell bridges the gap between intellectuals and the broader public, inviting readers from all walks of life to engage deeply with the societal implications of his observations. His legacy challenges us to uphold the values of honesty and bravery, offering enduring lessons on the price society pays when these principles are compromised.
In essence, Orwell’s legacy resonates through his unwavering commitment to truth-telling amidst pervasive ideological pressures. His warnings on ideological conformity and the imposition of speech and thought norms remain acutely relevant. His writings, as pertinent today as when they were penned, serve as a poignant reminder of the perils of conformity and the necessity to challenge authority in pursuit of truth. Orwell’s legacy is anchored in his mastery of accessible yet profound language.
Furthermore, his advocacy for individual integrity and moral courage underscores their crucial role in safeguarding societal freedoms amidst evolving societal pressures. To embrace Orwell’s greatest legacy is to uphold the imperative to speak truth to power, safeguarding the freedoms he tirelessly defended.
Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.