185. The End of Universities? | Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

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.

In this memoir, Yeonmi Park recounts her struggle to survive in North Korea under the oppressive rule of Kim Jong-il. She describes her escape to China at the age of 13, where she and her mother faced severe hardships, including human trafficking. The book details their perilous journey across the Gobi Desert to Mongolia and eventually to South Korea, highlighting the challenges of adjusting to a new life and overcoming years of indoctrination. Park's story is a testament to her resilience and her emergence as a leading human rights activist before her 21st birthday.