“All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.” — Napoleon the pig, Animal Farm

The allegorical novel of George Orwell is a compelling exploration of the individualism of man, how each one stands unique in their own characteristic while holding onto the value of the collective society. It also looks closely into the social behavior — the action and reaction of every individual in the society — and how this warps the desired social order. It may take time before one realizes about the danger of the status quo, yet Orwell sheds light on the importance of social action geared toward the attainment of the greatest happiness.

Animal Farm was published in 1945 but still holds water in present times. We live in an era of perpertual chaos, insurmountable dissatisfaction resulting from unwanted policies and/or unresolved policy gaps, and relentless grab for pre-eminence. People’s reception on the status quo reveals a telling demarcation between the subservient and the subversive. The subservient, on the one hand, are oftentimes the credulous and insouciant members of the society who boost the morale of the sharks and contribute to high approval ratings. On the other hand are the subversive. They belong to the dissatisfied class who vests interest in changing the status quo and aims to incite rebellion or simply to restructure policies and institutions. The subversive are mostly seen on the streets, but others are rather read on papers (or online platforms, because technology happens!).

Orwell underscores power play in the society, especially in resistance. Although it is categorically concerted effort to bring about social change, a member or members of the society — usually one of superior knowledge and audacity — cunningly vie/s for superiority at the disadvantage of the common good. Power play distorts the very thrust of the resistance, thereby failing to replace the status quo with the desired social order.

More often than not, resistance is only a smokescreen for those who want to rule. First, they lead the flock to garner attention. Second, they rise to fame and have enough henchmen. Last, they get elected. They were once the leaders of resistance whom the rest relied for their happiness. But they end up being indistinguishable from the sharks they wanted to overthrow.

“The most difficult, most important fight that anyone with power faces is the fight against himself, the struggle for self-control. That may be one of the toughest ones. Against corruption and even against the abuse of one’s own prerogatives, one has to have a very well-trained, strong conscience, a great deal of awareness”. – Fidel Castro

Orwell delineates that social upheavals are, by and large, caused by power inclinations and inequality.

How can one surmise that “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others”?

Who decides who gets what?

One can only dream.