Ignorance is Strength

      In 1984, Winston is given this book The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism written by Emmanuel Goldstein. In the book it explains the real purpose of the party and the three countries (Oceania, Eastasia, and Eurasia) that are against each other or allied with each other. “Ignorance is Strength” was one of the chapters in the book, and probably the post important one. Ignorance means having the lacking information, so that quotes means not knowing anything means strength (mostly for the government/party). In the book, people are classified in three social classes: Inner party (higher class), Outer party (middle class) and Proles (lower class). This is very similar to our society. In 1984, to be in the Inner Party meant to be born into a wealthy family. The Inner Party don't really have to work for what they have like the outer party and proles have to.

       “Ignorance is strength” means that having the lack of knowledge suits the rich people better. They know nothing, so they just go along with whatever helps them get better things. The middle and lower class do have to work for what the higher class has, and by working for it they gain knowledge of things, how the government and society really work. In our society ( in the novel also) knowledge isn’t power, how much money earned is.