“According to Greek Mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate beings, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves.” - Plato, The Symposium. Isn't it funny? Isn't it funny how humans are defined as one of the world's most intelligent living organisms on earth? Well truth be told, this is incorrect. Humans are just well adapted two-legged animals that are able to fit into their environment, just like their four-legged companions or the ones with wings. Thus, in a way, there's no such thing as humanity.
To continue from my previous post on Animal Farm by George Orwell, which I just finished, the text once again is considered a satire piece because Orwell uses it as a way to communicate to us how power can't be divided equally. There will never be equality for all. Once power is obtained it is always abused, and power causes all to think as the leader does. Equality does not exist, for it is impossible for everyone to be equal.
Once power is given to an individual or a group, rational ceases to exist. In the novel, Napoleon was never questioned for his "If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right.'" This lack of belief of one's own ideas is often the cause of an oppressed society. The animal's stupidity allowed the pigs to take advantage of them. Thus ". . . it was agreed without further argument . . . ." The animals believed every explanation that Squealer gave, no matter how unrealistic it was. They were agreeing with the leader, Napoleon, and never questioning his orders creates a false reality. This is because " . . . they had no more food than in Jones's day . . ." The farm animals put their trust within the pigs, thinking their decisions were justified but in reality, they had the same amount of food as they had had under human rule, and they worked twice as hard. The stupidity and gullibility of the animals that made this possible. Orwell wants people to learn to think for themselves and to question what is forced upon them. They must also have faith in their own ideas and work together as a whole.
Orwell's satire helps to illustrate the hardships that must be endured when power is abused. The goal of this book is to get people to think for themselves and have faith in their beliefs. People will never be completely equal, but hey at least they will not be oppressed.
