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About this quote

What does it mean?
Despite oppression and propaganda, natural processes continue beyond human control.
In plain terms
Even with dictators and lies, the world keeps turning.
What can you take from it?
Human attempts to dominate cannot halt fundamental realities.

Where it applies

  • social critique
  • philosophical reflection

Putting it to work

  • recognize limits of control
  • focus on resilient actions

Questions to consider

  • How do you respond when you feel powerless?
  • What can individuals change despite larger forces?

Another view

The quote may downplay the impact of oppression on individuals.

More from George Orwell

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  2. In a Society in which there is no law, and in theory no compulsion, the only arbiter of behaviour is public opinion. But public opinion, because of the tremend…

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  3. Certainly we ought to be discontented, we ought not simply to find out ways of making the best of a bad job, and yet if we kill all pleasure in the actual proc…

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