In Orwell’s novel 1984, the ultimate goal of the ruler’s was to make the citizens think that 2 + 2 = 5 or 3 or whatever, but not 2…
“You are a slow learner, Winston.” “How can I help it? How can I help but see what is in front of my eyes? Two and two are four.” “Sometimes, Winston. Sometimes they are five. Sometimes they are three. Sometimes they are all of them at once. You must try harder. It is not easy to become sane.” ― George Orwell, 1984
and…
“Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.” ― George Orwell, 1984
and…
“For, after all, how do we know that two and two make four? Or that the force of gravity works? Or that the past is unchangeable? If both the past and the external world exist only in the mind, and if the mind itself is controllable – what then?” ― George Orwell, 1984
It is not easy to become sane.
WtR