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About this quote

What does it mean?
Orwell states that maintaining current lies requires erasing historical truths.
In plain terms
To keep lies alive, past truths must be destroyed.
What can you take from it?
Control over the past is necessary for control of the present.

Where it applies

  • censorship
  • propaganda
  • political strategy

Putting it to work

  • preserve records
  • question narratives

Questions to consider

  • Who controls history?
  • What is the cost of a lie?

Another view

It assumes total control over history is possible, which is rarely absolute.

More from George Orwell

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