Darkwater RetreatSearching far and wide for signs of intelligence.

The following are excerpts from the “afterward” of George Orwell’s 1984 by Erich Fromm:

George Orwell’s 1984 is the expression of a mood, and it is a warning.  The mood it expresses is that of near despair about the future of man, and the warning is that unless the course of history changes, men all over the world will lose their most human qualities, will become soulless automations, and will not even be aware of it.

The Old Testatment philosphy of history assumes that man grows and unfolds in history and eventually becomes what he potentially is.  It assumes that he develops his powers of reason and love fully and thus is enabled to grasp the world, being one with his fellow man and nature, at the same time preserving his individuality and his integrity.

Recently, I pulled out an old dog-eared paperback copy of Orwell’s 1984, and while nonchalantly flipping through its worn pages, came across the above words of Erich Fromm.  These particular words sprang right off the page for me.  In a previous submittal to this blog site entitled  ”MILK-TOAST”, I had addressed the same issue.  In less than a hundred words, Mr. Fromm summarized my exact sentiment of which took me four hundred words to express. Especially the following statement –  ”will become soulless automations, and will not even be aware of it”  – which was my exact argument.  (Of course Fromm’s style and delivery is more articulate and well-expressed than mine.)

My point is this — literary works such as 1984 are being read by millions of students year after year — why then is there not more concern and outrage regarding the current direction of this nation?  Have people in this country now become “soulless automations”? 

It seems they have.

Not only have most people become “unaware” but it is my belief that since the 1960′s, the progressive movement has encouraged a mood of class envy.  As a child, I remember not only coveting items belonging  to others but also coveting the remarkable talents of others.  Aren’t all of us guilty of “coveting” at some point in our lives?  I believe it is the duty and responsibility of parents to re-direct these negative feelings.  Good parenting recognizes the need to reinforce the abilities, talents and strengths of each child and focus those goals in that direction.  In other words, guide and redirect envious feelings and replace it with the recognization that each of us has our very own uniqueness and individuality.

The breakdown of the “family unit” has made it easy for the progressive movement to abuse and corrupt generations of children.  The dependency on welfare has been their most powerful tool.  For many generations, state welfare programs have been taking the position of  parenting and thereby reducing  personal “stability.”  Generations of adults are now “conditioned” and believe it is their right to covet and receive the benefits from the toils and talents of others.

 Promoting class envy has worked out well for the current administration (along with creating racial divisiveness).  Obama, his administration and the progressives should re-visit and review the tenth commandment.