The Social Restrictions of Evolution in 1984, a Novel by George Orwell

“Adapting to new situations in life is essential"

Evolution is often looked upon as a purely physical process. People seem to think that this naturally occurring force is unstoppable, and only produces positive traits and characteristics for its beneficiary. While in most animals, this may be the case, for humans, the situation is different. Humans are creative, intelligent beings whose influence can cause evolution to curve off of it’s usually beneficial course. While adapting one's situation is essential, the evolution of mankind is causing development to slow down and digress.

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Biological evolution, for example, is the process by which the strongest and healthiest of a species survive, and the weaker of the species die out. This is the reason that humans have evolved to be so much more physically and intellectually advanced than other animals. Human technology, however, is slowing the process of evolution. The ill and weak, who would have died from their infirmities years ago, and now receiving treatment to keep them alive. Technology has advanced so that handicapped individuals who would otherwise have not lived to reproduce now prosper in their environment. By keeping the infirm alive, human technology has slowed the process of evolution in humans.

The novel 1984 by George Orwell also exhibits the restriction of evolution, but in a social rather than biological perspective. The man-induced developments of the main character, Winston’s, time period hinder rather than help humanity’s advancement. Winston states throughout the novel that he does not know for sure what year it is or how much time has passed since the beginning of the new political system. Time, the measurement often used to measure and compare changes in human history, seems to have stopped in Orwell's dystopian novel. The metropolis has remained the same for what seems like years, with no change in political, cultural or societal values. This is due to the type of government that the community is put under, and the constant, ongoing war that the citizens witness. Using the very social systems that man has developed, such as government and the international laws of armed conflict, to restrain the development and growth of their societies, the rulers of Oceania successfully halt their nation’s progress.

Cultural evolution, or the strengthening of a particular culture can often give rise to nationalism and even chauvinism. The United States of America, for example, is a patriotic country whose people have fought long and hard for their land and have a rich history and culture. Americans have adapted to their homeland and have cultivated their heritage for hundreds of years. But this nationalistic point of view is exactly what is keeping millions of refugees out of the Unites States today. Citizens use the excuse that they cannot be allowed into the country, lest they muddy the waters of american values. They wage a battle to uphold the principles of their society, but in doing so, they cause direct hardship for others.

It is important to remember that things can be both good and bad. Although evolution and change is often looked on positive, everything can have a darker side if it isn’t monitored and controlled properly. Society must be wary of the pros and cons of making certain decisions, and must be confident that the path that they are on points in the right direction. As J.K. Rowling once boldly stated in one of her novels, "Light cannot exist without darkness. It is where you chose to stand, that makes the difference.”

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