#63 – Dirk Stermann

Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones. After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism. However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against. The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

In "Verbot und Verzicht" analysiert Philipp Lepenies die neoliberale Ideologie und ihre Auswirkungen auf die politische Landschaft. Er untersucht, wie die Betonung des freien Marktes zu einer Ablehnung staatlicher Regulierungen und Eingriffe führt. Das Buch beleuchtet die historischen Wurzeln dieser Denkweise und zeigt auf, wie sie sich in aktuellen Debatten um Umweltpolitik und soziale Gerechtigkeit manifestiert. Lepenies kritisiert die Vorstellung, dass der Markt alle Probleme lösen kann, und argumentiert für eine stärkere staatliche Rolle bei der Gestaltung einer nachhaltigen Gesellschaft. Er plädiert für einen differenzierteren Umgang mit dem Thema "Verbot" und betont die Notwendigkeit von gemeinschaftlichen Lösungen.