brief thoughts on anarchism lol

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 'Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism,' Amanda Montell argues that the key to manufacturing intense ideology, community, and us/them attitudes in cults and cult-like groups lies in the use of language. The book delves into the verbal elements that make these communities 'cultish,' including the redefinition of words, euphemisms, and other linguistic tricks. Montell analyzes various groups such as Jonestown, Scientology, NXIVM, and even modern entities like SoulCycle and social media influencers, highlighting how these groups use language to create a sense of belonging and loyalty. The book is praised for its engaging narrative, original research, and incisive analysis of the power of language in shaping human behavior.