George Orwell: The Uncompromising Visionary

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Credits:
Host - Simon Whistler
Author - Morris M
Producer - Jennifer Da Silva
Executive Producer - Shell Harris
Business inquiries to [e-mail]
Other Biographics Videos:
Andrew Carnegie: Robber Baron or America’s Greatest Philanthropist?
• Andrew Carnegie: Robbe...
Jack the Ripper: The Killer from Hell
• Jack the Ripper: The K...
Source/Further reading:
Britannica’s Orwell Bio: www.britannica...
Excellent, very informative ONDB biography (paywall for non-UK users. UK users need only enter library card number to access): www.oxforddnb....
Spanish civil war: encyclopedia.u...
www.history.co...
Orwell’s mistakes on the Spanish Civil War: www.theguardia...
Orwell at the BBC: www.bbc.com/ne...

[@theylied1776]

All KZbinrs are equal, but some KZbinrs are more equal than others.

[@MrUndersolo]

Many likes good; one unlike bad?

[@tuatarian6591]

that was one of the best endings for a book period

[@sarcasmo57]

4 views good, 2 views better.

[@denversdabsc6073]

😂🤣

[@simonmorris4226]

Four legs good, two legs better!

[@davecullins1606]

He literally spent his last days and bits of energy furiously clinging to life so that he could finish his. One. Last. Book. And it ended up becoming his best.

[@Legion849]

It became a depiction of exactly what he feared with a few exceptions.

[@RW77777777]

that's exactly what keeps people alive; even when all science dictates they should be dead already.

[@davecullins1606]

@@RW77777777 It's just because science hasn't researched the power of determination enough. If they had, his endurance would have been predictable.

[@erraticonteuse]

Reminds me of Ulysses S Grant, who wrote his memoirs as throat cancer gradually took over the right side of his neck and head. He had lost everything in a Ponzi scheme around the same time his cancer was diagnosed, so to secure his wife's financial future, he held on writing, switching to dictation when he became too weak to hold a pen, then after he lost the ability to speak he _went back to handwriting_ it, finally dying a week after he'd finished the final draft. (And yet still people try to claim that Mark Twain ghostwrote it. Istg for a man who is _on currency_ and has the largest mausoleum in the Western hemisphere, he gets so little respect today.)

[@nuclearwinter1984]

@@erraticonteuse This comment deserved a like. I’m about to research the life of Ulysses now (what a sick name to boot).

[@Recondite101]

A VPN ad on a video discussing George Orwell... How appropriate

[@mrnukes797]

Don't they were just recently hacked

[@krishnam1]

@@mrnukes797 Yup, and they kept mum about it for a looong time. It's tragic Simon would accept their money

[@JeffDG]

Well, given that NordVPN had their private keys compromised for a year without noticing, it is actually appropriate.

[@frackitos]

@@JeffDG "without noticing", yeeeeeeah....

[@JeffDG]

Eduardo H M One of the reason we’ve seen a dramatic drop off of channels shilling for Nord...tends to shed credibility

[@ComaDave]

“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face-for ever.” As long as I live, I shall never forget the chill that ran through me when I first read that line.

[@Artisttinge]

@Do what you must, I have already won you just accurately described Sweden, good sir.

[@Germatti13489]

ComaDave that reminds me of the photo of a young woman in Hong Kong, face down on the ground, with a policeman's boot on her head.

[@mikefay5698]

Well it was compulsory reading in those days. With prayers hymns and God save the Queen. How lucky we were!

[@johnpangarakis396]

Do what you must, I have already won for real

[@beachcomber2008]

You saved some of my time. The boot will be Chinese, and the time will be sooner than anyone believes.

[@lawrencerinehart5747]

Orwell was not just a man of his time but a man for all times with his artful and reverent work.

[@lawrencerinehart5747]

If someone wanted to make a biopic I imagine Sean Penn.

[@richardburnett-_]

No silly film could ever "scratch the tip of the iceberg." We all just need read and re-read all his works.

[@cwg9238]

seemed to have some difficult cognitive dissonance on the "pros" and cons of socialism though.

[@cwg9238]

@Jody Owen tl;dr

[@cotaryan3740]

GK Chesterton was much more of a man and was from the same time. So, false

[@bdegrds]

"Reality only exists in the mind of the party, whatever the party holds to be truth is truth, it is impossible to see truth except through the eyes of the party" - George Orwell - 1984 I just finished the audiobook 1984, just mind blowing. In January Animal Farm will be available, I will listen to that too.

[@jc6800]

Absolutely terrifying. Also fake news.

[@mfaizsyahmi]

Animal Farm is not a long read, so I suggest just grabbing the physical book and start reading.

[@deangreen2567]

@@mfaizsyahmi Agreed it’s like a hundred pages it takes a day.

[@narancauk]

Also only in the mind of Schizophrenics and new age gurus and antivaxxers.............................................

[@johnwriter8234]

"In the end, I could not tell the pigs from the humans"

[@ethanramos4441]

“Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shape of your own choosing” George Orwell

[@adampkalb]

I despise any leaders who want to lie to us just to seize power, like the former US president who tried to overturn an election in 2020, and still has supporters today who are trying to rig the next election in 2024 so no one who steals an election will be held accountable for it. I hate people who want absolute power to do whatever they want! 😡Simply put, they are the most despicable people in the universe and we must dismantle The Big Lie.

[@saint_yves]

This was an incredible experience. My friend and I have recently discussed the political significance of 1984, and I have read Animal Farm and absolutely loved it. George Orwell will always be my favorite political writer.

[@TingTingalingy]

Swap out pigs with white liberals and swap out Boxer with minorities that disagree and you've got the modern day political left! 🤘

[@alonzomosley7]

These bios on writers have made me realise how troubled their lives were .They gave so much for so little reward in terms of financial security .We owe them a debt of gratitude

[@bretta1042]

If you think H.G. Wells deserves a Biographic... *You know what to do...*

[@Biographics]

Smash that like button?

[@bretta1042]

Now how in the dystopian hell did you guess that?

[@jayboy009]

@@Biographics smash that " Tell us the truth" button. Who's paying you? CIA? MI5? MOSSAD?

[@DarthAwar]

Yes Yes Yes Yes as well as Jules Verne!!!!

[@SafetySpooon]

@@DarthAwar Yes, Jules Verne - & Mary Shelley!

[@HollerScholar]

Animal Farm is still one of my favorite books of all time

[@kennethallen3843]

It's one of my favourite films of all time

[@islomkayumov4552]

Some books are more equal than others

[@Doctor699]

Boxer ;(

[@fernforwood3989]

Mr.Cleanydeezy Animals is still one of my favorite Pink Floyd albums, too.

[@dx1450]

@@fernforwood3989 Ironically the song "Sheep" is about sheep rising up to rebel against their human masters.

[@shirleyjeanpilger1394]

I had to read Animal Farm and 1984 in high school. I think 1984 was the best horror story I've ever read. It was truly terrifying at 16 and I have never forgotten any if it, at 71.

[@robbiethepict2783]

I first read 1984 at Grammar school, in the year 1984; with the full encouragement of my English teacher Miss Dowie. It's a warning, yes a truly terrifying story about how humanity is merely a candle's flame and why the author went as far as to snuff it out. Even at 52 I have never forgotten the positive impact George Orwell and Miss Dowie had on my young life.

[@mchozen2958]

Likewise.

[@mingyuhuang8944]

Same, us Aussie kids also had to read 1984 in school. Truly an incredible piece

[@camrendavis6650]

Careful Simon, big brother is watching you

[@yaythereal]

brother Google

[@garrettchiodo5708]

i ask my renters if they had seen trump in the news? living in ark, can have its draw backs/ most say( and i maintain several houses ) i dont care if he broke any laws hes the guy? im a Connecticut yankee in the south and a peace nik. living here is very strange, like the nine teen fiftys,,

[@camrendavis6650]

@@garrettchiodo5708 cool👍

[@jkl3199]

@@garrettchiodo5708 what?

[@rathersane]

I can confirm. I have younger siblings and I have been watching Simon.

[@JulianThursday13]

Orwell's works also served as an inspiration for one of my favorite records of all time. Pink Floyd's 1977 album, Animals.

[@ninja_tony]

The Wall and Animals both paint such a vivid picture of what Orwell was envisioning in 1984. I believe he would have truly loved those albums if he survived to hear them.

[@wingerding]

Ya pigs on the wing!

[@dirgecry2047]

Personally, I feel like Orwell is one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Heck, the only other two who became synonymous with their styles to a point of sub-styles being named after them (that I can think of) are Tolkien and Lovecraft.

[@milpoolvanhouten1260]

Also Kafka

[@uniquechannelnames]

Hemingway changed writing/prose forever too.

[@jmanj3917]

Vonnegut?

[@spinynormanbest6410]

If we're just writing names of authors....Gogol

[@greenbeans4989]

Never been a big reader, but recently watched a KZbin video on Lovecraft and I just bought his complete collection of stories

[@richardburnett-_]

*Homage To Catalonia* is a living, vivid trip. First-hand war reportage, part social criticism, spy thriller, beautiful travelogue and political insight; excellent at each. Reads like an MRI scan of our present. Especially poignant in view of the recent reopening wounds in Catalonia.

[@SandfordSmythe]

Great Book

[@parthhiren9942]

Aldous Huxley next?

[@CodexArgenteus]

And then Ray Bradbury & Philip K Dyck if you haven't already done them!

[@thejmc4074]

CodexArgenteus excellent ideas by both of you.,

[@krasihristov1066]

Carlos castaneda tried to erase his biography.He will be a tough challenge.

[@fernforwood3989]

CodexArgenteus Dyck sucks, pardon the pun.

[@ry8539]

Orwell was right

[@omfug7148]

Down and Out in Paris and London is one of my favorite books, Orwell is a personal hero.

[@Funko777]

This^^^ Down and out, 1984, homage to Catalonia are probs my 3 favorite pieces of literature

[@jamesstaggs4160]

Something that was in the novel 1984 that is being implemented today that isn't really talked about is that words are being changed to suit various political goals. Language is fluid and does change over time, but I've seen words changed, not from any organic process, but by organizations with an agenda in mind. We also see history, which should be as objective as humanly possible, become something malleable. It's shaped and reshaped depending on who ever wields the pen. Go on Wikipedia and root around in anything with a political bend to it and you'll see obvious biases. Snopes, along with our current politically biased corporate media (that includes both sides of the spectrum), seem to be ripped right from the pages describing the ministry of information. I'm no fan of people like Alex Jones, but the recent talk about having "authoritative news sources" should frighten everyone. A free press means the opposite of authority in matters of reporting. We have this wonderful tool called the internet that gives voices to everyone, but massive entities like Google are threatening to turn it into a tool of actual oppression.

[@maiaallman4635]

Just one example: In South Africa, the word for "Power failure due to inadequate planning of maintenance and replacement of power stations" is now "Load shedding". It is the official narrative. It sounds much better.

[@knarftahw]

Thanks to the left, they're one ones who complain about feelings and want the government to punish people for mis gendering and they're the ones that want language policed. The UK police check peoples social media for "hate crimes". And it's the left that believe in wrong think.

[@AnthonyIlstonJones]

@@knarftahw Actually political extremists both 'right wing' & 'left wing' believe in pretty much the same thing - the state taking precedence over the liberty of the individual. You don't need me to tell you how bad that is for democracy or civil liberties generally, but people need reminding now & again that extremism is by definition a bad thing. All this partisan nonsense that is poisoning the World currently is spread by those who wish to erode what meagre liberties we still have (you HAVE heard of 'divide & conquer', right?).

[@apanapandottir205]

"I'm no fan of people like Alex Jones, but..."

[@fakeorchestra4260]

"Power is not a means it is an end" is the most underrated and powerful quote from 1984. It makes you understand so much. There is no greater goal to tyranny, power itself is the goal, because power in itself is desirable. Because it brings feelings of superiority to those who have it. It's not a tool to get something, it is the reward that dictators use tools to get to.

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

To me it seems as if it's even more weirdly back-to-front than that...? 🤔 Tyrants, dictators & populist leaders of all stripes seem to start with this sociopathic inner vision if themselves as being all-powerful & more valuable than EVERYONE else. The rest of their career then seems to be directed towards forcing the outward world to conform to that inner vision, by any means necessary...?

[@fakeorchestra4260]

@@anna_in_aotearoa3166 The point is that they deceive themselves into thinking they are working for the greater good, just like the Nazis or Communists... but the truth deep inside is that they just want power for power's sake.

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

@@fakeorchestra4260 I always thought of that as something they just told their followers... 🤔 But you could be right, at least for some, even though their idea of that common good diverges pretty far from ours? Hitler probably thought his decisions were good for Germany's economy, after all! 😬

[@TheChugg11]

“In times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act” is so on the nose in Current Year.

[@FLITT]

Na, it's just something rightwing bs conspiracy theorists have liked to spew this year. Being challenged on your bs isn't oppression and anyone that thinks it is, is a spoilt brat. It's hilarious how much people who claim socialism is the devil like to qoute a socialist 😂

[@small_joys2022]

@@FLITT please watch thd video. Orwell abandoned socialism/ communism when he saw their true faces in Catalonia. Animal farm as well as 1984 were vicious satires on the leftist system.

[@misein1]

@@FLITT Obviously you suffer from the Dunning-Kruger effect. So sad. Please never vote.

[@kanishkparmar]

@@small_joys2022 Lying is a bad thing. You should read his essay 'Why I write', where he very clearly said that he was a socialist. You can read this quote from that essay: "Every line of serious work that I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism and for democratic socialism, as I understand it." Orwell was not anti-socialist, he was anti-totalitarian, which is something everyone should be. Also, he had no problem with Communism, in fact he fought with communists in Spain. He became really opposed to Stalinism after his days in Spain though. Animal Farm was a satire on the USSR, and an attack on Stalin. 1984 was a satire of totalitarianism. Though it was mainly a satire of Totalitarian Socialism, it also has elements of anti-Imperialism and anti-fascism in it.

[@sakom0793]

@@kanishkparmar Indeed, I feel that Orwell never abandoned his ideals, more likely, he felt that stalinists abandoned socialism. 1984 has aspects of a socialist society for sure, but it seems like the society in 1984 is socialist only on the surface, while deep down being an oppressive "power structure" regime. No doubt the government in 1984 only called itself socialist for propaganda purposes, and to divert attention from the issues. I've not much more to say, have a pleasant day.

[@lrx001]

I read 1984 for a class and it is still my second favorite book behind Heart of Darkness. It is a fantastic piece of literature, thank you Mr. Orwell. Also can we have a Joseph Conrad biographic? He has such a cool life.

[@spaceycaveco.698]

You have good taste in books👍

[@manliovidoni9902]

Conrad's Heart of Darkness is a masterpiece. What is more amazing is that Conrad born in Poland did not have English as his native language. He had to learn English nuances to write his English books.

[@albertawheat6832]

Heart of Darkness is one of the most frustrating novels I have ever read and I would never wish reading it on another soul. I will acknowledge that great books are often difficult; I, for one, love to wrestle with Woolf and Dostoyevsky, but this novel is not one worth fighting through.

[@albertawheat6832]

Adam Smith, " Wealth of Nations, 1776 " was a good book, but again very difficult read. Walter Lippmann " Public Opinion, 1922." another good read...which in a round about way explains our situation today. Frank Pasquale, " Black Box Society, 2015." Informative on how the Internet has been geared to be used against humanity. A fairly easy read.

[@jcdock]

The most memorable quote from Orwell to me is "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely"

[@ravinc1568]

It was a statement made by Lord Acton, not Orwell.

[@tedwarden5803]

Written by Lord Acton around 1850. The quote ends. ‘ Great men are nearly always bad men’.

[@paulwinstanley904]

This wasn’t Orwell 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@TheSMR1969]

Bad quote

[@yaeldragwyla8170]

Orwell's novels describe vital aspects of human experience that many tend to avoid confronting. They should be confronted, for the betterment of the world, and Orwell does a superb job of it.

[@piperar2014]

Alexa, order a copy of 1984.

[@ozarkscarguy540]

Oh the hypocrisy

[@LiamNI]

How has anyone not actually read this book? I read Animal Farm in 3rd year (UK, so about 14 years old. No idea what that is in "Freedom Speak"), and immediately wanted to read 1984 (although I didn't for a few year in fairness).

[@Red_Lanterns_Rage]

Alexa: ordering Van Halen - 1984

[@reecechaplincartoons1506]

We by yevgenny zamaytin

[@AvanRoyOfficial]

@@Red_Lanterns_Rage HhahahahahajahhahaHhHhHAHAHAHAHAHhahaha

[@KCsFunHouse]

While Animal Farm and 1984 are fantastic literary pieces his collections of essays are all just as good if not better, I highly recommend them.

[@jrrollins84]

Because of George Orwell, my birth year has become and still is a legendary time in history.

[@camilasuarez4596]

I remember being introduced to 1984 by my philosophy teacher back in my senior year in high school and was one of the most incredible things it happened to me. I couldn’t get enough of the book and later on continued reading Orwell’s writings on my own. Never regret any single minute reading his works

[@rvbzero7]

_The answer to 1984 is 1776._

[@albertawheat6832]

@@rvbzero7 David McCullough ? Adam Smith wrote "Wealth of Nations, in 1776 as well"...which you can obtain on google ind pdf for free.

[@thecitizen49]

"Come 2084 or 2184, it's seems likely we will still be reading them." I love your optimism that "we" will still be around, Simon.

[@Doitallgp]

Otto Carnage we’ve been around for 200,000 years. We’ll be ok

[@haplon33]

@@Doitallgp Animals go extinct all the time these days. Especially big ones with complicated resource dependencies. The bacteria will be fine.

[@haplon33]

@Kyle Whitehead nope dumb as hell. Know how much CO2 goes into the construction of the average nuke plant? Maybe would have made sense 50 years ago but now it's just sad industry shill propaganda with the alternatives we already have online. Ever heard of the Hanford nuclear reactor site? Wish nuke simps would ever acknowledge how the US is the perfect example of why nuclear energy would be a terrible idea. We can barely figure out not putting corpses in drinking water here in the US

[@ffxiarcadius]

1984 won't exist by 2084 . .

[@Ableten]

They’ll be burned

[@isaacwhubbell]

Dude Simon... I knew the past two years you were credible and a good source for microlearning throughout my day. My English Professor in College just used your Orwell Video here as a teaching device and trusted information. Cheers man! Watch your videos everyday!

[@SlopedOtter]

Just finished 1984 today, very scary how accurate it has become.

[@alexreznov45]

IMO Brave New World is more accurate

[@ry8539]

60% chance you lying. 1984 I the most common book people claim to have read even if they haven't.

[@SlopedOtter]

@@ry8539 Okay wow you got me I didn't read it, I bet you have though! Very impressive. Also did you know that 80% of statistics are made up?

[@ry8539]

@@SlopedOtter lol. Good one

[@ahumanbeingamnayplaceholde1746]

@@alexreznov45 True, a society that inebriates the masses with pleasurable distractions is far more effective at manipulating the masses than a ludicrously oppressive one.

[@LocalHeretic-ck1kd]

Famous man once said: "Now in 2019 we are closer to the 1984 than ever before." That says a lot and none of it is good news.

[@solid244]

so edgy

[@jackbailey7037]

so right

[@Digital_PeterGriffin]

We’re closer to brave new world than 1984

[@madv6715]

Its like in George Orwells book, uh… 1984 - O.J Simpson.

[@RavenwolfFoxtrack]

Now do Huxley and his Brave New World

[@rathersane]

Any proper biography of Huxley will be printed with nontoxic ink on blotter paper.

[@Tob1Kadach1]

Yes!

[@covenawhite4855]

What about Raybradbury who wrote Farenheit 451. Not the terrible 2018 2nd movie but the wonderful 1950s book. It predicted flat screen TVs and over obsession with Popculture caused people to ignore serious parts of their life and instead have mindless fun. People to ignored fixing the serious flaws in their family life, and in all their social relationship. Also, people ignored Political, Economic, and Societal issues. People were also self absorbed and obsessed with social status. Books were banned and intellectuals were demonized.

[@SassafrasThings]

This is best description of George Orwell's work and character I have heard. Great Job Simon.

[@coiledsteel8344]

Too bad we never really LEARN from history!

[@johnganshow5536]

That's why the smart people prep....

[@Nierez]

That's why you should listen carefully to your elders

[@cwg9238]

@@Nierez plenty of old people are stupid as hell. age does not necessarily bring wisdom or valuable insight with it.

[@ChickenPermissionOG]

@@johnganshow5536 Don't you mean paranoid people.

[@johnganshow5536]

@@ChickenPermissionOG No...

[@GeordieMcCabe]

Absolutely brilliant. I learned so much about the man and the events that shaped him. It seems like we probably need more like him these days.

[@rosesmith6925]

I just finished reading 1984 yesterday after Thanksgiving dinner, and Animal Farm at the beginning of the month. I finally understand what everyone is talking about. Especially what certain popular phases refer to. Both were awesome! Sad how some authors die before they have the knowledge that so many people loved and respected their work.

[@doylehurt2014]

I’m a history geek!! I love this channel!! Well done

[@john-paulhunt451]

orwell is popular on the far right but orwell hated the far right.

[@dambrooks7578]

To me Orwell did something revolutionary, he put pen to paper. To mark the paper was the decisive act. In small clumsy letters he wrote: April 4th 1984

[@glenchapman3899]

And in doing that he did more than anyone to help stop 1984 becoming a reality in the modern world.

[@dambrooks7578]

@@glenchapman3899 mostly, although I have often pondered if there are some in the Tory party that haven't comprehended it is a story set in a dystopian future, not an instruction manual.

[@glenchapman3899]

@@dambrooks7578 lol I got nothing :)

[@DarkAngelEU]

@@glenchapman3899 China wants you to hold its beer, son.

[@k2coolsullivan948]

Klaa2 Glen never said this wasn't happening, however he said that George Orwell did more to prevent it than anyone else whether that was successful or not

[@TheFluffyDuck]

“Jura is so remote the nearest town is over 25 miles away” - laughs in Australian

[@xGSFxGoat]

Also laughing in Canadian w'Eh up here

[@rohanpatil6168]

being dead serious in swiss

[@joshglover2370]

Laughing hysterically in the Western US! 🤣🤣🤣

[@tedthesailor172]

So remote, it took two days to get to London. It still does...

[@LeastTresCharLargo]

Laughing in Appalachian

[@patm6704]

When George Orwell wrote 'Nineteen Eighty Four' in 1948, he thought the Soviet Union's communism was the main worldwide threat to humanity, freedom etc. He was dead wrong. The corporate-controlled US Empire - with 800+ military installations in 140+ countries so far and the largest empire ever, built on regime-change, bribery, invasions etc. - is the main threat to freedom, justice etc. The Soviet Union has been dismantled from within. If George was still alive he would acknowledge he got it wrong because he was on the side of justice, freedom etc.,and he fought against the fascists in Spain. He would have been totally against the US Empire and he would have supported the fight for justice now in the US, UK etc.

[@deangreen2567]

Almost everyone around at the time predicted the same outcome though, so you can’t denigrate such an assumption. Alexander Solzhenitsyn predicted the same thing in his ‘Warning to the West’ and even gave a speech about it. Bear in mind that up until now, taking Soviet Russia and Maoist China in to account (although you could add Cambodia to this too).. Mid 20th century communism has been the greatest threat to mankind up until now. Although Capitalism could prove to be worse with time.

[@lewisbensted7161]

Yeah still not as bad as stalin

[@Ableten]

Just read 1984 and I think it’s my new favorite book of all time.

[@jackukridge5381]

Down and Out in Paris and London is well worth reading.

[@matthiasthulman4058]

The Road to Wigan Pier is also great

[@carlajenkins1990]

On Political Language: Best essay ever written.

[@camtoonz6619]

I just realized I've only been watching Geographics and I have already soared through all of their videos (I listen while I draw) and after I realized Biographics was a thing I, quite literally, screamed.

[@plaguedoctor147]

Been waiting to see this one, psyched to see it

[@COUNTVLAIDMIR]

Me too

[@ersturdevant2831]

My new punk rock band "The Posh Bastards." Thanks, Simon.

[@Tsinibor]

Wishlist: 1. Norton I 2. Cao Cao 3. Max Stirner 4. Gustav II Adolph 5. Charles XII(I'm swedish and a bit biased)

[@davidgibson5756]

Tsinibor Norton I was covered very well by “The History Guy”. Check him out

[@horatioh5469]

great job!! Orwell has always been my favorite writer. He is the definition of honesty and literary talent.

[@lindagray1809]

Really? Try Wifefom by Anna Funder

[@IQTech61]

"Because it will annoy any... pedants" Brilliant! Thank you for making this insufferable pedant laugh and step down from her soapbox.

[@rogerelzenga4465]

that made me lol too :D i'll just stfu and go back into my corner :P

[@cerhart7172]

Your end summation is probably the best tribute I've heard about Orwell. He was a master of pointing out hypocrisy in the human condition, yet never lost sight of the idea that we can do better than what we are currently managing. I believe he'd be having a field day with the current world events...and a constant headache at our idiocy at the same time.

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

Hmm! That's the bit that I really struggle with in reading Orwell's work, tbh? He doesn't actually seem to believe we CAN do better, or that any positive change is possible - at least based on his books I've read so far...? (1984 conclusion is a classic example.) As a lifelong human rights advocate, that nihilistic perspective is one I really don't like, and have spent a lot of time struggling against?

[@margysan]

Studied 1984 for my "0" level English literature exam it had an enormous impact on me and still does

[@ChickenPermissionOG]

why not 451 or brave new world?

[@margysan]

@@ChickenPermissionOG they weren't in the curriculumthe year i did my "o" level exam which i just happens i took in the year 1984

[@countblackula4401]

i had a choice between "451", "Brave New World", "1984", and "A Clockwork Orange" for my sr. year english course. I went with "Orange" because of the title. Burgess, and Kubricks' interpretation of the novella are also just as relevant and impactful as "1984" is today. i actually am in the middle of "1984", reading it for the first time. later, i would end up reading "The Wanting Seed" by Burgess, another dystopian tome which still holds up to this day, but with a brilliantly added layer of lgbtq+-futurism. ... we're everywhere.

[@jliller]

Chain-smoking when you have tuberculosis sounds like an effective way to speed the dying process along.

[@xXMetalforever1994Xx]

You have to remember that back in those days it was "healthy" to smoke. I think also he didn't care at that point as he knew he would die eventually anyways.

[@gg_rider]

Apparently, an effective way to speed book writing along.

[@tedwarden5803]

@@xXMetalforever1994Xx we all do.

[@JustAnotherAccount8]

They prescribed cigarettes for TB back then

[@johnkohls5054]

Animal Farm is my Favorite book of all time.

[@leisti]

This is one of the best entries of this channel so far. Well done.

[@Terry.W]

Its uncanny all of his predictions are now coming true ..

[@ersturdevant2831]

Coming true? More like came true. All hail Facebook....er....Big Brother.

[@chasleask8533]

As an elite educated child , he knew the plan.

[@Johnconno]

Yaaaawwwwwwnnnnnnnn...

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

Chas Leask Please be joking...

[@billhoop281]

You do realise orwell was a socialist??

[@GLASSB182]

There's something of a Stoic, elegance of grace seen in that picture of Eileen. Highly admirable, I'd say.

[@jeffreybarker357]

Huge fan of this and your other channels, Simon. More authors, please!!

[@rami_ungar_writer]

Everyone and their dog may have their definition of "Orwellian," but I'm pretty sure cats have the right definition.

[@alanmoss3603]

Yes, but pigs have the clearest definition!

[@endergamer7483]

Alan Moss I’ve been enjoying this comment section, but your comment made me laugh a little.

[@fagozi]

Literally just received my copy of 1984 when this video was uploaded.

[@michaelgreen539]

‘Every line of serious work that I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism and for democratic Socialism, as I understand it.’

[@DarkScorpionPete98]

Democratic socialism is far inferior than capitalism.

[@Codehead3]

Michael Green That sounds wonderful on paper, but every socialist government has always devolved into a totalitarian regime. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions...

[@ripsumrall8018]

@@DarkScorpionPete98 Sweden, Denmark..etc, hum you may want to rethink that.

[@ripsumrall8018]

@@Codehead3 All governments seem to devolve regardless.The US has devolved into an oligarchy with 1/3 of the population blindly worshiping an authoritarian in training.

[@glorytotheaprdeathtotheufl7917]

Dragon Rider if you really think that you should read Homage to Catalonia...

[@dx1450]

1948 - Orwell predicts "telescreens" which can watch you and listen to you. 2019 - FBI warns that "smart TV's" could be spying on you. Alexa, turn off my smart TV, I think it's spying on me.

[@dx1450]

@First Last Exactly, that's why I put that ironic line in there.

[@LordHoth_90]

@Robert Hall Orwell and Paul Harvey really nailed it on the head...

[@seanleith5312]

Orwell, like George Bernard Shaw, John Maynard Keynes, lived in a wealthy society created by capitalism, dreamt of socialist ideal. The stupid thinking of British elites lead to Britain's decline. How can anyone with a slight intellect support socialism. The stupidity continues today.

[@mrperikito1]

The name Edward Snowden comes to mind

[@awotnot]

@@seanleith5312 like anyone cares what you think hop it you grovelling serf

[@MrPoupard]

This one can join your category marked "Best Of". Really great. Btw the little boy he took to Jura is still with us.

[@shesaknitter]

Excellent and timely considering what we are now facing across the globe with the rise (or resurgence) of fascism! I just re-watched the Burton-Hurt "1984" a week or so ago. After seeing your video about Orwell's life and writing and now knowing so much more about him, I want to read everything he wrote. I think I'll start with re-reading "Animal Farm." Thank you so much!

[@Blitnock]

Well Simon, I felt some sincere feeling in your presentation: good work! I have loved Orwell's critical essays for decades. Cheers.

[@Trekyhunter]

I recommend Homage to Catalonia if you like 1984 or Animal Farm. And an interesting side detail, in an article he wrote, "Notes on Nationalism" when they translated it they changed nationalist to chauvinist - as in a person with an overly aggressive / overly defensive sense of patriotism.

[@karrieyo8739]

amazing bio, you guys are brilliant. My boyfriend lived in an ex Soviet Country, and his psychology is truly affected by the Totalitarism he grew up with. 1984 would be a book too dense for him, but for me gave me a geopolitical view I cherish.

[@JohnDeBrazen]

I remember Orwell explaining that he didn’t understand the fanctionalism before travelling to Spain. He simply joined the POUM because they were the first people he came into contact to. I don’t recall him ever wanting to join the International Brigade, he did say afterwards that he would have joined the anarchists if he understood the situation better.

[@cbandtheradio5610]

I always understood Orwell to be a writer who pointed out the worst parts, and failings of every group. The belief that what you are doing is the "correct" way to do it inherently leads to a straight path toward the worst parts of yourself.

[@HeirGryffindor84]

In high school I read his book 1984 (10 times) and its one of my favourites of all time

[@kobusg7460]

I trust that you also gave his 'Animal Farm' a read?

[@JonathanBlack45]

Oh wow. I know this is such a small bit of compliment. But I typically listen to your videos as a podcast so I mostly dont notice the introduction. But I like that your motto is: "History, one life at a time." Probably the most comfortable and sensible way to learn history. You're doing great work mate!

[@mrshannonite4016]

Orwell, like the Suffolk river of the same name, will carry on flowing. May I suggest people read his essay about the everyman's ideal pub...The Moon Under Water?

[@suzimonkey345]

“Hop-picking in Kent” might have been an incredibly lower working class summer & backbreaking work BUT my family looked forward to it all year!! People had a holiday mentality (outside of half-killing themselves to hit their quotas), spent their evenings in the pub & all stayed together in holiday camp (meets slave labour) fashion! My late aunts husband used to travel all Friday night just to ‘holiday’ there for the Saturday & Sunday lunch before traveling all night again to get home for his work on Monday!

[@annad.l6087]

"THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS!" oh, wait that was Star Trek. 😁

[@RictusHolloweye]

Orwell's version was four fingers.

[@annad.l6087]

@@RictusHolloweye yes but there is a next gen episode where Picard is kidnapped by the Cardassians and a similar situation play's out.

[@RictusHolloweye]

@@annad.l6087 - Yeah, I recognised the quote. In fact I was quite delighted when I recently read 1984 to discover where they had drawn their inspiration from.

[@Tsinibor]

We have always been at war with four lights.

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:35 - Chapter 1 - Eton days 4:40 - Chapter 2 - Down and out in burma & london 7:45 - Chapter 3 - The road to Barcelona 11:20 - Mid roll ads 13:05 - Chapter 4 - Homage to catalonia 16:40 - Chapter 5 - "Some animals are more equal to others" 20:30 - Chapter 6 - 1948

[@rusoviettovarich9221]

'1984' has been made into films - the best I feel was made that very year (1984) w. Richard Burton (his last film) John Hurt and Suzanna Hamilton. The film used a soundtrack by the Eurythimics but then the director objected to its' content - depended which film you saw. Nonetheless a great film. Burton was so close to death when he was shown seated at a table speaking and raising his arms there was someone below the table that was lifting them. Orwell probably would not have like it but who knows - he might of.

[@lva9821]

Agree, the best version in my opinion. Who can replace Burton and Hurt?

[@sandrajones1609]

Much gratitude for your perspective and platform! Thank You to All involved.

[@alexcarter8807]

Owell's description of his time at St. Cyprian's is utterly withering. Snark the density of osmium.

[@xanderunderwoods3363]

as a sci-fi Noir writer, I found a lot of inspiration in his book 1984. Excellent book indeed, a phenomenal read.

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

I saw the face, Simon, I didn't even read the name, and I was like "GIMME!" He's my favourite author and "1984" is my favourite book because I'm screwed up like that. It didn't even hit me till my fourth re-read that there'd been a nuclear war: I get something new out of that book every time I read it. EVERYONE, go red 1984", even if you have already.

[@rosesmith6925]

I just finished reading it after Thanksgiving dinner yesterday for the first time! Awesome but sad.

[@williamhadley549]

@@rosesmith6925 Only a few books I've read have made me physically shake in thrill and disbelief. Though at times 1984 was arduous to read, reading the last third of the book, the ending, it'll stick with me for a long time

[@nota4688]

SoulFire39 wait sorry but you NEVER realized throughout the first THREE readings that there had been a nuclear war? Were you reading the book?

[@ranweaslo9149]

I’ve read it four times, and never once had it referenced a nuclear war having happened. I may be wrong, but I think you’re confusing the discussion of nuclear tactics of each nation with the idea that there had been a nuclear war.

[@nota4688]

Luigi’s Squeegee oh no. I’m not very intelligent at all but can you recall that there was a specific chapter where we go into his childhood? And just the general immediate changes that happened and stuff? There is no discussion to be had. It is surely implied

[@wendychavez5348]

Shared! This man represents truth, even if it conflicts with the systems he most subscribed to.

[@john-paulhunt451]

in real life he hated the far right only to become the far right in the eyes of many in todays society in the west. But he would say eff you republicans and fascists.

[@MeloraCarabas]

So when Orwell was writing 1984 he was suffering from tbc, chain smoking and then he collapsed? I'm amazed he ever finished the book! Or...did he....? ...

[@ravenhill_of_midsummer_1968]

Now this is more like it! Thanks for this bio.

[@BradGryphonn]

I would argue that the name 'Orwell' is more recognizable than 'Hemmingway'. My bias may be showing through with that statement.

[@shebbs1]

Probably depends a lot on which side of the Atlantic you are on. I would suggest that Orwell is better known internationally than Hemingway. Hemingway is well known, but Orwell is more referenced.

[@alastairblair]

Orwell and Hemingway met, Orwell came away unimpressed but he did borrow a gun.

[@eddieperez9565]

@@shebbs1 was about to say...

[@shebbs1]

@Jody Owen Thanks for your very detailed answer. These were deeply interesting, yet sadly flawed people. They were all great observers of the world. I actually find Hemingway a brilliant writer myself. Merry Christmas!

[@Matt-ve3ql]

Here in the US we read both in high school.

[@fhetty]

Even though I detest Orwell's social politics, his nightmarishly creative mind cannot be denied. 1984 is my all time favorite novel.

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

definitely one of the greatest writers who ever lived

[@sportstrader2175]

There is some fine content on this channel, as an Orwell enthusiast I enjoyed this one very much.

[@offfswitch]

It would be awesome if you did an episode on Sir Terry Pratchett. Fantastic writer who led an interesting life, and while well known in the rest of the world, not so much in the USA. Frankly, I'm tired of doing a terrible job of introducing people to him here in the states. I find myself getting too excited about it, and cant tell a coherent story. Do me a solid and give me a resource, and take some of the load off?

[@lva9821]

A great writer and a wonderful fantaisist!

[@trailerpark7170]

This video came out right on my birthday, and right as I finished re-reading 1984. Perfect timing.

[@archstanton6102]

Big Brother's main building is based on the University of London main site. Even has a room 101.

[@MrFroglips69]

A thoroughly intriguing and entertaining tail of a man of conditions all fighting for the same thing; a perhaps fairer life for everyone. Beautifully told by our narrator. Keep up the good work.

[@gregchambers6100]

Many may overlook the incredibly good writing of these shows. Excellence.

[@isaacc7]

Homage to Catalonia is a must read for anyone that was impressed by Animal Farm or 1984. It’s one thing to read fiction that makes you think about the problems of power, it’s quite another to read his real life experience derailing with it. The thing I was left with from Homage to Catalonia is that it isn’t enough to be against something, you have to fight for something.

[@LindaCasey]

Honesty, you're the best storyteller. 🌹

[@john-paulhunt451]

clips rose saying orwellian as nothing lasts forever.

[@GenevieveMapson]

Absolutely brilliant! Love your presentation style.

[@semloh1870]

1984 is the most important book ever written. The best line is: “If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face--forever.”

[@adampkalb]

What are we supposed to like about 1984 if it is meant to make us lose hope for the future or a better life? Why should we care, or if we are not supposed to care because of the cautionary tale that it is, what are we supposed to "like" about 1984? 😢

[@flavio7180]

@@adampkalb It's not meant to make you lose hope though. Orwell himself has said that the thing that inspires him to write the most, is when there is a lie to get exposed. This book is a criticism of the lies and oppresion that dictatorships bring, and a warning for future generations, and not just "the future's bad, everyone's life will suck".

[@lulupavone]

George Orwell is one of my favourite authors... I love him... I tried to read 'Animal farm' but I stopped dead cold. His 'Down & out in Paris & London' is divine...

[@RoleCrow]

Who would of tought big brother would become some nerds at sillicon valley.

[@countblackula4401]

LOL, touché!!!

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

Guillermo Ibarra *would HAVE

[@TheEndemicOrchestra]

Great content and presentation style, easy to listen to several episodes while writing. 🎯

[@rsears78]

He was a genius, he will never be forgotten

[@coreyham3753]

Timeless classics that will remain relevant and instructive forever.

[@0474tk]

Just an amazing mind--Orwell never stopping to learn more about society and the individual. Good stuff :)