Friday, June 02, 2006

"He who controls the present, controls the past. He who controls the past, controls the future."
--George Orwell

Do you all agree with George on this one?
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10 comments:

Pat Paulk said...

History can be rewritten, but not changed. I think understanding the past gives insight into the future, provided you believe history is cyclic. I do. Therefore, strictly on face value, no I don't.

8:27 PM
kevin said...

What is control? Who is in control? Me? How? This goes along with the post which Darius is holding - yes, I feel we have limited will, and we should come to know what part our heart has to play in our responsibility in knowing how to act. Beyond that there is only surrender.

But, I really think Georgie is talking from a societal level and not specifically a individual level. We can talk about the person, the family, the community, nation and all of humanity. Each instance is somewhat different, I think.

Great Haikus! love them!

I am hosting a "progressive faith blog carnival" for June 11th at my blog, I'd love it if you shared something for it, if you want.

10:46 PM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Kevin,

Thanks for your very thoughtful insights. Yes, I think Orwell was talking at the societal level mostly.

My view, for what it is worth, is that we control little--really. It's all in the moment and what we feel, think, do there. It's all process. Consciousness is not permanent. No permanent self. I'm fairly non-dual in my worldview.

I will look into your progressive faith blog. Neat idea. Thanks.

2:18 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Pat, You raise some interesting points, especially about rewriting, but not changing history, and the notion that history is cyclic.

As I said in my comment to Kevin, it's all in the moment. That is a philosophical and spiritual point of view that I just offered.

If you take the long view and subscribe to S-curve theory, then we see patterns and likenesses over the long term. Common issues erupt over time.

Forecasting in my business is extremely hard because of the dicontinuous nature of change in economic and business systems within global society.

Orwell was always good for provoking thought...

Thanks for stopping by.

2:24 AM
Linda Jones Malonson said...

“He who controls the present, controls the past. He who controls the past, controls the future."

This is indeed thought provoking, and I wonder whether Mr. Orwell was speaking literally or metaphorically.

Pat is right, history can be rewritten, but it cannot be changed. But if one does not know the true history of what was, than the one who changed history can control how we view things, therefore in that respect they will control the present.

On the other hand, if one looks at this from an economic development point of view, than of course he who controls the past has all the wealth, therefore, they will control the future on where that wealth will be distributed.

What I am trying to say is that one would have to know the context in which Mr. Orwell was speaking to really answer this question. Otherwise it’s anyone’s guess.

2:46 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Great comments LP.

I live on a daily basis for the point you make about economic development and wealth control. Personal bankrupcties are up everywhere. Personal income growth is flat. Wages are flat. Jobs are being exported to offshore locations. Historical patterns are being erased in record speed.

Thanks for yoru thoughtful observations.

Don

2:51 AM
CE said...

Well, yes. But we try to be in control a lot. This strengthens the separation and amplifies egoism.
If there were no controller, there would be no controlled. This means absolute freedom.
When there is only what is which is empty of the self but full of peace and bliss.

3:39 AM
Bob said...

Orwell was right in my view.

It would be fascinating to get Orwell's opinion on the internet and all the electronic surveillance today! Already we are getting used to this surveillance.

1:38 PM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

That would be quite interesting, Rob. What would Orwell say?

7:37 PM
Bob said...

Orwell: "I told you so!"

1:53 PM

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