There will be no curiosity, no enjoyment of the process of…
“There will be no curiosity, no enjoyment of the process of life. All competing pleasures will be destroyed. But always— do not forget this, Winston— always there will be the intoxication of power, constantly increasing and constantly growing subtler. Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face— forever.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power corrupts, offering intoxicating pleasure in domination and victory over others.
In simple terms: Power gives a dangerous thrill of control.
Beware the lure of power over others.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- corporate hierarchy
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does power affect your decisions?
- Can you recognize subtle power dynamics?
Power can be resisted through collective action.