this post was submitted on 31 Aug 2024
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Privacy
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"If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – for ever" (1984 - George Orwell).
It was a good line but his general prediction was, thankfully, wrong. With caveats, we're not at all where 1984 forecast we would end up. Humans turn out to be more allergic to oppression than he imagined.
Not yet
It is meant to be a warning
Sure, but I do think he would be pleasantly surprised by how things turned out. Aldous Huxley saw the future better. This is not a particularly original analysis.
IMO Orwell's real insight was about the importance of clarity and truth in language, as a protection against political manipulation. That really was revolutionary.
I dunno, I see a LOT of what he said existing today, especially the level of surveillance and control.
I highly recommend "Taking Control of Your Personal Data" by prof. Jennifer Golbeck, published by The Teaching Company, ISBN:978-1629978390, likely available at your local library as a DVD or streaming.
I think it's the third episode where she clarifies how extensive online surveillance is - I was surprised, it was even greater than even my paranoic mind thought.
I can't see it as streaming or DVD. But I can see it as an audiobook and on great courses plus website.
If anyone finds the video version I'd be appreciative.