Why Nineteen Eighty-Four Should Be Required Reading for Every University Student

Abstract

This article argues for the inclusion of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four as obligatory reading for university students due to its profound reflection on the value of history. While previous studies have explored themes of totalitarianism, love, alienation, political allegiance, hierarchy, and technology in the novel, this research focuses on the importance of history for university students. The essay begins by highlighting how studying history can help students understand people, societies, and the processes of change that shape communities. It emphasizes the acquisition of crucial skills, such as evaluating competing interpretations and analyzing evidence. The article then addresses challenges to the utility of history, including objections raised by Henry Ford and other concerns. Finally, it examines specific hazards resulting from a lack of historical knowledge, drawing examples from Nineteen Eighty-Four.