“The very concept of objective truth is fading out of the world. Lies will pass into history.”
- June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950
- Born in India during the British colonial period
- Author, journalist
- Through his representative works “1984” and “Animal Farm,” he presented sharp criticism of totalitarianism and the abuse of power, greatly influencing contemporary literature and thought.
Quote
“The very concept of objective truth is fading out of the world. Lies will pass into history.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell expresses his concern about the erosion of objective truth in society, particularly in the face of political manipulation and propaganda. Orwell suggests that as truth becomes increasingly subjective and distorted, lies will no longer just be considered falsehoods or errors, but will become the accepted narrative of history. This reflects Orwell’s fear that the ability to distinguish between fact and fiction is being undermined, and that the manipulation of information will lead to a world where lies are accepted as truth, shaping the course of history and the collective understanding of the world.
Orwell was deeply concerned with the dangers of totalitarianism and how powerful regimes could control the flow of information, rewrite history, and manipulate public opinion through the use of language and propaganda. In 1984, Orwell presents a society where the state controls not only people’s actions but their thoughts through mechanisms like the Ministry of Truth, which fabricates history to suit the ruling party’s narrative. The concept of objective truth—truth that exists independently of political influence or individual perception—is systematically eliminated, and people are forced to accept the party’s version of reality, regardless of the facts. Orwell’s quote warns of a future in which truth becomes irrelevant, and lies are normalized and integrated into historical records.
This idea is increasingly relevant in today’s world, where misinformation, fake news, and alternative facts can spread rapidly, often through digital media and social platforms. Orwell’s quote serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of undermining objective truth and the dangers of allowing lies to shape public perception and political discourse. It highlights the importance of maintaining a commitment to facts and evidence in order to preserve a shared understanding of reality and ensure that truth remains a cornerstone of both individual freedom and democratic societies.
