“Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four.”
— George Orwell
Simplified Meaning:
This quote is about having the ability to speak the truth, even when others might not like it or agree with it. Imagine you’re in a classroom, and everyone around you is saying that 2 + 2 equals 5 because they’re afraid of getting in trouble if they say otherwise. But deep down, you know the correct answer is 4. Being free means you can say 2 + 2 is 4 without fear of punishment. In history, there are times when people weren't allowed to speak the truth, like during oppressive governments, where expressing facts could get someone in serious trouble. Applying this to your life, it's important to stand up for what is right and true, even when it’s difficult. So if you see something wrong at work or school, being free means having the courage to speak honestly about it. This encourages a society where truth is valued and honest communication is possible.