PSA 1984

[halnewcome]

As long as I'm catching us up, let's talk real quick about George Orwell's book "1984".

The book is from the late '40s, and it's a scathing commentary not about some future world but about the current state of things. The state things were in when Orwell put pen to paper.

It may seem clever or insightful to point out that 1984 is upon us, but it

Comments

1984: Read it for the appendix

[steelcoat]

The most interesting part of 1984 to me is the extensive appendix that details the decline of man into totalitarianism and the genesis of newspeak.

I marvel at Mr. Blair's creativity and insight.

Re: 1984: Read it for the appendix

[halnewcome]

Not enough brilliant linguists writing books these days. Where are you, oh 21st century Tolkiens?

Was linguistics academically hip in the 40s or something?

Was linguistics academically hip in the 40s or something?

[steelcoat]

Yes, and it was more accessible. Because of the cultural and geopolitical separation of the world at that time, linguistic skill was at a premium. Now that we're a bit more unified, everyone is happy with business English, commonly used by all the non-native speaking people in our science labs and financial offices, and that, combined with the dreck we suck from the husked corpse of what used to be television has diluted a lot of the fun from the language.

Reading books is the cure for this. Its like weightlifting for the mind. After just a week with the classics, I feel like I've gained eloquence without becoming more loquacious than I already am.

gained eloquence without becoming more loquacious

[claudelemonde]

YOU'RE SETTING OFF ALL KINDS OF "$2 WORDS WITH L AND Q" ALARMS HERE BUCKO

i grew up reading the only books in our house, which were: my pop's (unread, childhood) "A BOY'S CLASSIC TREASURY*"; the BIBLE; dale CARNEGIE; and the DSM-IV. hoo BOY were some of my middle-school essays RAD.

this is not from then, but you may appreciate it.

*treasure island, swiss family robinson, and the formatively terrifying MOBY-DICK

[hoodlumq]

This post makes me want to become a resident of GA just so i can get a library card! I have resorted to rereading old favorites of mine, like right now i am lost in ordinary people, but all these books you mention sounds better. Also, i am sick of reading anatomy books.

[halnewcome]

Reading is FUNdamental.

You do LIVE IN Georgia.

in denial

[hoodlumq]

shut up

Re: in denial

[steelcoat]

Hal is a house of fire today.

Thank God you have great heels like me to put yourselves over on.