“There will be no curiosity, no enjoyment of the process of life. All competing pleasures will be destroyed. But always— do not forget this, Winston— always there will be the intoxication of power, constantly increasing and constantly growing subtler. Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless.
If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face— forever. ”
― George Orwell, 1984
I remember coming across this cold-blooded passage in Orwell's amazing, masterpiece of a book when I was a fairly innocent lad in High School.
Blew my mind. Never been the same since. It reflected the times, then, and for sure, it reflects the times now. I do think it perfectly sums up the meaning & uses of power, and the law, as it manifests & is wielded by the rich, entitled, monied classes in our midst, & across the planet. The powerful ones perpetually beating up on the less powerful ones, forever. Yes. Sure, it's a bit bleak, but sometimes, it is helpful to hit bottom. One can find clarity there, and really, the only sensible way forward after hitting bottom is to
rise up.
