George Orwell, a writer committed to social justice and denouncing oppression, decided to explore the world from a different perspective instead of following a traditional career. He lived in poverty in Paris and London, experiences he captured in "Down and Out in Paris and London" (1933).
During the Spanish Civil War, Orwell fought alongside the republican side and witnessed the Stalinist betrayal within the left ranks, an experience that profoundly marked him. 75 years after his death, his work remains relevant, and his influence on literature and political thought continues to be undeniable.
The author of iconic novels such as "1984" and "Animal Farm" was a relentless critic of totalitarianism and a defender of freedom of expression. Under the pseudonym George Orwell, born on June 25, 1903, in Motihari, British India, Eric Arthur Blair demonstrated how a revolution can degenerate into a new form of oppression in his masterpiece "1984" (1949).
Orwell died on January 21, 1950, at the age of 46, a victim of tuberculosis, but his influence has grown over time. His legacy includes concepts such as "doublethink," "newspeak," and "Big Brother," which are part of today's political lexicon.
His consecration came with "Animal Farm" (1945), a satirical fable about the Russian Revolution and the corruption of power. In "Homage to Catalonia" (1938), a personal testimony, he unveiled the propaganda machinery and ideological manipulation of both sides.
75 years after his passing, George Orwell's work remains an essential guide to understanding the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of intellectual resistance in a world where truth seems increasingly elusive. His voice remains a beacon of lucidity and courage, reminding us of the importance of freedom and the fight against oppression.
