137+ Quotes From 1984 [Orwellian Quotes]

“1984” by George Orwell is a dystopian novel that portrays a totalitarian society ruled by a powerful and oppressive government known as the Party.

Throughout the book, several quotes highlight the key characteristics and themes of the novel.

Here are some significant quotes and their corresponding characteristics:

  1. “Big Brother is watching you.”
    • Surveillance and Totalitarianism: This quote emphasizes the pervasive surveillance and control exerted by the Party over its citizens. It symbolizes the loss of privacy and the constant monitoring of individual actions and thoughts.
  2. “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”
    • Doublethink and Propaganda: The Party employs doublethink, the ability to hold contradictory beliefs simultaneously, to manipulate and control the masses. This slogan demonstrates the Party’s use of propaganda to manipulate language and distort reality.
  3. “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
    • Historical Revisionism and Power: This quote underscores the Party’s control over history, as it constantly alters and manipulates records to fit its narrative. By controlling the past, the Party seeks to control the future and maintain its grip on power.
  4. “Thoughtcrime does not entail death; thoughtcrime is death.”
    • Thought Control and Conformity: This quote highlights the Party’s strict control over individual thoughts and ideas. It suggests that any deviation from the Party’s beliefs, known as thoughtcrime, is considered a capital offense, effectively eradicating independent thinking.
  5. “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.”
    • Individualism and Intellectual Freedom: This quote emphasizes the Party’s suppression of individualism and the importance of conformity to its ideology. It illustrates the denial of basic intellectual freedom and the imposition of a single, Party-approved truth.
  6. “Until they become conscious, they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled, they cannot become conscious.”
    • Awakening and Rebellion: This quote reflects the idea that individuals need to become aware of their oppressive circumstances before they can take action against them. It suggests that rebellion against the Party is a necessary step for achieving true consciousness and liberation.

These quotes encapsulate the major characteristics of “1984,” including the themes of surveillance, totalitarianism, propaganda, thought control, historical revisionism, conformity, and the struggle for freedom and individuality.

They serve to illustrate the oppressive nature of the Party and the grim reality of life in Oceania.

1984 Quotes

Here are some quotes from George Orwell’s “1984”:

  1. “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
  2. “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
  3. “Big Brother is watching you.”
  4. “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”
  5. “Thoughtcrime does not entail death; thoughtcrime is death.”
  6. “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.”
  7. “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.”
  8. “We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness.”
  9. “The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.”
  10. “Orthodoxy means not thinking—not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness.”
  11. “Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously and accepting both of them.”
  12. “If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.”
  13. “Until they become conscious, they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled, they cannot become conscious.”
  14. “The past was erased, the erasure was forgotten, the lie became truth.”
  15. “Orthodoxy means not questioning things—just accepting them.”
  16. “He who controls the present controls the past.”
  17. “The best books… are those that tell you what you know already.”
  18. “Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought?”
  19. “The masses never revolt of their own accord, and they never revolt merely because they are oppressed.”
  20. “We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it.”
  21. “Power is not a means; it is an end.”
  22. “The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake.”
  23. “The heresy of heresies was common sense.”
  24. “Sanity is not statistical.”
  25. “Reality exists in the human mind and nowhere else.”
  26. “In the end, we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible because there will be no words in which to express it.”
  27. “The past is whatever the records and the memories agree upon.”
  28. “To die hating them, that was freedom.”
  29. “It was curious to think that the sky was the same for everybody, in Eurasia or Eastasia as well as here.”
  30. “The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.”
  31. “We do not merely destroy our enemies; we change them.”
  32. “One does not establish a dictatorship to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution to establish the dictatorship.”
  33. “Reality control, they called it; in Newspeak, doublethink.”
  34. “You will be hollow. We shall squeeze you empty, and then we shall fill you with ourselves.”
  35. “The best way to destroy the opposition is to lead it.”
  36. “Sanity was statistical. It was merely a question of learning to think as they thought.”
  37. “The proles are not human beings.”
  38. “Underneath the spreading chestnut tree, I sold you and you sold me.”
  39. “Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimeters inside your skull.”
  40. “The masses never revolted of their own accord, and they never will.”
  41. “If you kept the small rules, you could break the big ones.”
  42. “Power is not a means; it is an end.”
  43. “You are a slow learner, Winston.”
  44. “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four.”
  45. “The Revolution will be complete when the language is perfect.”
  46. “Orthodoxy is unconsciousness.”
  47. “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
  48. “Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered.”
  49. “The essential act of war is destruction, not necessarily of human lives, but of the products of human labor.”
  50. “The best books… are those that tell you what you know already.”
  51. “To know and not to know, to be conscious of complete truthfulness while telling carefully constructed lies.”
  52. “But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.”
  53. “Man is the only creature that consumes without producing.”
  54. “To be conscious of complete truthfulness while telling carefully constructed lies.”
  55. “We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it.”
  56. “Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously and accepting both of them.”
  57. “If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—forever.”
  58. “All the beliefs, habits, tastes, emotions, mental attitudes that characterize our time are really designed to sustain the mystique of the Party and prevent the true nature of present-day society from being perceived.”
  59. “The object of power is power.”
  60. “He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past.”

These quotes encompass the haunting and thought-provoking nature of “1984” and convey its themes of totalitarianism, control, manipulation, surveillance, and the suppression of individuality and truth.

Popular 1984 Quotes With Page Numbers

Popular 1984 Quotes With Page Numbers

Please note that the page numbers may vary depending on the edition of the book, so unfortunately we can’t provide page numbers as this will cause confusion among some readers.

We can go by part and chapter.

Here are a few well-known quotes:

  1. “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” (Part 1, Chapter 3)
  2. “Big Brother is watching you.” (Part 1, Chapter 1)
  3. “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.” (Part 1, Chapter 7)
  4. “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” (Part 1, Chapter 3)
  5. “Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them.” (Part 2, Chapter 9)
  6. “Ignorance is strength.” (Part 1, Chapter 1)
  7. “Thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime IS death.” (Part 1, Chapter 2)
  8. “Until they become conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious.” (Part 2, Chapter 7)
  9. “In the end, the Party would announce that two and two made five, and you would have to believe it.” (Part 3, Chapter 2)
  10. “If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.” (Part 1, Chapter 7)
  11. “Perhaps a lunatic was simply a minority of one.” (Part 2, Chapter 3)
  12. “The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.” (Part 3, Chapter 3)
  13. “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.” (Part 3, Chapter 2)
  14. “If you loved someone, you loved him, and when you had nothing else to give, you still gave him love.” (Part 2, Chapter 10)
  15. “Being in a minority, even a minority of one, did not make you mad.” (Part 2, Chapter 3)
  16. “Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end, we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible because there will be no words in which to express it.” (Appendix)
  17. “Orthodoxy means not thinking—not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness.” (Part 2, Chapter 9)
  18. “The past was erased, the erasure was forgotten, the lie became truth.” (Part 1, Chapter 7)
  19. “Reality exists in the human mind and nowhere else. Not in the individual mind, which can make mistakes, and in any case soon perishes: only in the mind of the Party, which is collective and immortal.” (Part 2, Chapter 9)
  20. “Sanity is not statistical.” (Part 3, Chapter 3)
  21. “If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.” (Part 1, Chapter 7)
  22. “Orthodoxy means not thinking—not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness.” (Part 2, Chapter 9)
  23. “The best books… are those that tell you what you know already.” (Part 2, Chapter 9)
  24. “Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end, we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible because there will be no words in which to express it.” (Appendix)
  25. “Orthodoxy means not thinking—not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness.” (Part 2, Chapter 9)
  26. “If you loved someone, you loved him, and when you had nothing else to give, you still gave him love.” (Part 2, Chapter 10)
  27. “Being in a minority, even a minority of one, did not make you mad.” (Part 2, Chapter 3)
  28. “In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” (Part 2, Chapter 9)
  29. “Until they become conscious, they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled, they cannot become conscious.” (Part 2, Chapter 7)
  30. “Reality exists in the human mind and nowhere else.” (Part 2, Chapter 9)

These quotes capture some of the iconic phrases and concepts from 1984, reflecting its themes of oppression, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth.

Inspirational 1984 Quotes

Inspirational 1984 Quotes:

  1. “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.” – George Orwell, 1984
  2. “Until they become conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious.” – George Orwell, 1984
  3. “The best books… are those that tell you what you know already.” – George Orwell, 1984
  4. “The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.” – George Orwell, 1984
  5. “The revolution will be complete when the language is perfect.” – George Orwell, 1984
  6. “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.” – George Orwell, 1984
  7. “Reality exists in the human mind and nowhere else.” – George Orwell, 1984
  8. “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” – George Orwell, 1984
  9. “Big Brother is watching you.” – George Orwell, 1984
  10. “If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.” – George Orwell, 1984

Short 1984 Quotes

Short 1984 Quotes:

  1. “Thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime is death.” – George Orwell, 1984
  2. “Freedom is the freedom to know that two plus two make four.” – George Orwell, 1984
  3. “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” – George Orwell, 1984
  4. “Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them.” – George Orwell, 1984
  5. “Ignorance is strength.” – George Orwell, 1984
  6. “We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness.” – George Orwell, 1984
  7. “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.” – George Orwell, 1984
  8. “Reality exists in the human mind and nowhere else.” – George Orwell, 1984
  9. “If you loved someone, you loved him, and when you had nothing else to give, you still gave him love.” – George Orwell, 1984
  10. “In the end, the Party would announce that two and two made five, and you would have to believe it.” – George Orwell, 1984

Funny 1984 Quotes

Funny 1984 Quotes

Funny 1984 Quotes:

  1. “Big Brother is watching you… while you take a selfie.”
  2. “In the Ministry of Truth, facts are as flexible as a yoga instructor.”
  3. “They say ignorance is bliss, but in Oceania, ignorance is just the first step towards an all-expenses-paid vacation to Room 101!”
  4. “Doublethink: because one brain is never enough.”
  5. “Who needs privacy when you can have a live audience for all your bathroom breaks?”
  6. “Newsflash: Room 101 now has a five-star rating on Oceania’s ‘Must-Visit’ list!”
  7. “Big Brother knows what you did last summer… and the summer before that… and the summer before that…”
  8. “War is peace, freedom is slavery, and a chocolate ration increase is cause for celebration!”
  9. “Big Brother: The original helicopter parent.”
  10. “Attention, citizens! Due to popular demand, the Ministry of Love will be hosting speed dating sessions in Room 101.”

Famous 1984 Quotes

Famous 1984 Quotes:

  1. “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” – George Orwell, 1984
  2. “Big Brother is watching you.” – George Orwell, 1984
  3. “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.” – George Orwell, 1984
  4. “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” – George Orwell, 1984
  5. “The best books… are those that tell you what you know already.” – George Orwell, 1984
  6. “Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them.” – George Orwell, 1984
  7. “Reality exists in the human mind and nowhere else.” – George Orwell, 1984
  8. “Until they become conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious.” – George Orwell, 1984
  9. “If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.” – George Orwell, 1984
  10. “In the end, the Party would announce that two and two made five, and you would have to believe it.” – George Orwell, 1984

Deep 1984 Quotes

Deep 1984 Quotes:

  1. “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.” – George Orwell, 1984
  2. “Until they become conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious.” – George Orwell, 1984
  3. “The best books… are those that tell you what you know already.” – George Orwell, 1984
  4. “The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.” – George Orwell, 1984
  5. “The revolution will be complete when the language is perfect.” – George Orwell, 1984
  6. “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.” – George Orwell, 1984
  7. “Reality exists in the human mind and nowhere else.” – George Orwell, 1984
  8. “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” – George Orwell, 1984
  9. “If you loved someone, you loved him, and when you had nothing else to give, you still gave him love.” – George Orwell, 1984
  10. “In the face of pain, there are no heroes.” – George Orwell, 1984

Deep 1984 Quotes

What Lessons Does 1984 Tell Us About Today?

1984 offers several important lessons that resonate with today’s society:

  1. The dangers of totalitarianism: 1984 portrays a dystopian world ruled by a totalitarian regime that controls every aspect of people’s lives. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of concentrated power and the erosion of individual freedoms. It reminds us to be vigilant and protect our democratic institutions and rights.
  2. The manipulation of information: In the novel, the ruling party manipulates and controls information to shape people’s perception of reality. This serves as a reminder to critically evaluate the information we consume, be aware of media biases, and seek multiple perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of the world.
  3. Surveillance and privacy concerns: 1984 highlights the pervasive surveillance used by the ruling party to monitor its citizens. In today’s era of mass surveillance and technological advancements, the novel’s warnings about the invasion of privacy and the potential misuse of surveillance technologies are particularly relevant. It urges us to reflect on the balance between security and privacy in our own societies.
  4. The power of language: Newspeak, the simplified language in 1984, aims to limit the range of thought and control the expression of dissent. The novel underscores the importance of language and the manipulation of words in shaping public opinion and controlling the narrative. It encourages us to value and protect freedom of speech and to be wary of attempts to restrict language and limit expression.
  5. The threat of historical revisionism: In 1984, history is constantly rewritten to align with the ruling party’s propaganda. This emphasizes the dangers of distorting or erasing historical events and the importance of preserving an accurate understanding of the past. It reminds us to question official narratives and engage in critical thinking to prevent the manipulation of history for political purposes.
  6. The importance of individualism and independent thought: The protagonist, Winston Smith, struggles against conformity and seeks to preserve his individuality in a society that suppresses independent thought. This serves as a reminder to value our own unique perspectives and resist conformity, promoting individualism and diversity of thought as essential components of a healthy society.
  7. The fragility of truth and memory: 1984 highlights the vulnerability of truth and memory in the face of a totalitarian regime that manipulates facts and controls historical records. It reminds us of the importance of preserving collective memory and defending the truth in the face of attempts to distort or rewrite it.

Overall, 1984 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding individual liberties, critically analyzing information, and remaining vigilant in the face of threats to democracy, privacy, and truth.

It urges us to learn from history and actively work towards a society that upholds freedom, justice, and the dignity of every individual.

How Did 1984 Become Popular?

1984 became popular through a combination of factors, including its compelling story, powerful themes, and George Orwell’s reputation as a renowned writer.

Here are some key factors that contributed to its popularity:

Literary merit

1984 is widely regarded as a literary masterpiece. Orwell’s skillful storytelling, vivid descriptions, and thought-provoking ideas captivated readers and critics alike.

The novel’s powerful and unsettling portrayal of a dystopian society struck a chord with readers, leaving a lasting impact.

Orwell’s reputation

George Orwell was already an established and respected writer by the time 1984 was published in 1949.

His previous works, such as Animal Farm, had garnered critical acclaim and had established him as a prominent figure in literature.

The success of his earlier works generated anticipation and interest in his new novel.

Timeliness and relevance

1984 was published in the aftermath of World War II, during a period of heightened tensions in the early stages of the Cold War.

Its depiction of totalitarianism, government surveillance, and the manipulation of truth resonated with readers who were grappling with the ideological struggles of the time.

The novel’s themes continue to be relevant in today’s world, ensuring its enduring popularity.

Cultural and political impact

1984 introduced several terms and concepts into popular culture, such as “Big Brother,” “Thought Police,” and “doublethink.”

These phrases have become synonymous with oppressive surveillance and authoritarianism, permeating into public discourse and adding to the novel’s cultural impact.

Banned and controversial status

Over the years, 1984 has faced challenges and attempts at censorship due to its critical portrayal of totalitarianism and its explicit content.

Such controversies often draw attention to a book and generate curiosity, contributing to its popularity.

Education curriculum

1984 is frequently included in high school and college curricula, exposing generations of students to its themes and ideas.

Its inclusion in educational programs has helped to ensure its ongoing popularity and relevance.

Film adaptations and adaptations in other media

The novel has been adapted into film, stage plays, and radio dramas, reaching a wider audience and introducing the story and its themes to those who may not have read the book.

These adaptations have further contributed to its popularity and cultural impact.

The combination of Orwell’s skill as a writer, the timeliness and relevance of the novel’s themes, and its lasting impact on popular culture has cemented 1984’s place as a widely read and influential work of literature.

Was 1984 Inspired By World War II?

While World War II did not directly inspire the writing of 1984, it undoubtedly influenced George Orwell’s worldview and provided a backdrop against which he crafted the novel.

Orwell himself had a deep personal and political engagement with the events of World War II and its aftermath.

During the war, Orwell worked as a journalist and broadcaster for the BBC, witnessing firsthand the propaganda and manipulation of information employed by both sides.

He was critical of the abuse of power and the erosion of individual freedoms that occurred during the war, which undoubtedly shaped his ideas about authoritarianism and totalitarianism.

The rise of fascist regimes in Europe, such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, as well as the Soviet Union’s actions under Joseph Stalin, further informed Orwell’s understanding of oppressive regimes and the dangers of concentrated power.

These experiences likely influenced the dystopian society depicted in 1984, where the ruling party exercises total control over its citizens.

Additionally, the ideological struggles and geopolitical tensions that characterized the post-war period, particularly the emerging Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, provided a context for Orwell’s exploration of power dynamics, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth in 1984.

While 1984 is not a direct allegory of World War II, the war and its aftermath certainly shaped Orwell’s perspectives and contributed to the themes and concerns that are central to the novel.

The experiences and events of the war served as a backdrop against which Orwell crafted his critique of totalitarianism and his vision of a dystopian future.

Conclusion

The quotes from George Orwell’s “1984” capture the essence of a dystopian society dominated by an oppressive regime known as the Party.

These quotes encompass the key characteristics and themes of the novel, highlighting the extent of surveillance, the manipulation of language through propaganda, the control over history and truth, the suppression of individual thought and freedom, and the perpetual struggle between power and rebellion.

Through the powerful slogans like “Big Brother is watching you” and “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength,” Orwell emphasizes the pervasive surveillance, manipulation of language, and the eradication of independent thinking within the society of Oceania.

The Party’s control over the past and its alteration of historical records demonstrate their intent to shape the future and maintain their grip on power.

The notion of thoughtcrime, where even thoughts against the Party are considered a capital offense, underscores the extreme measures taken to suppress individuality and enforce conformity.

The quotes also highlight the importance of awakening and rebellion as necessary steps towards reclaiming freedom and consciousness.

Ultimately, these quotes serve as a chilling reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism, the erosion of truth, and the relentless pursuit of power.

“1984” continues to resonate with readers as a cautionary tale, urging vigilance in defending individual freedoms and the importance of an informed and critically thinking society.

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