The command of the old despotisms was 'Thou shalt not'. The command of the totalitarians was 'Thou shalt'. Our command is 'Thou art'.

The command of the old despotisms was ‘Thou shalt not’. The command of the totalitarians was ‘Thou shalt’. Our command is ‘Thou art’.

– George Orwell

1984. Part 3, Chapter 2. O’Brien to Winston. Under Big Brother there is no choice for the individual, he just is.

1984 Quotes