I recall the movie “Detachment” and the scene where the teacher, Mr. Barthes, asked the students to define some words. One of those words he mentioned was the word doublethink. First, it is a must-watch if you have not watched the movie and are a teacher or educator. Second, if you want to know what it looks like when a child loses hope, this movie is for you. The ending was tragic, but the mindset and lesson the movie instills will be one to remember: think twice.

As you can imagine, the movie “Detachment” wasn’t the one who coined this term. It was coined in George Orwell’s timeless novel “1984,” a chilling concept called “doublethink.” The novel shares with the reader an offering of a stark warning about the manipulation of truth and the acceptance of contradictory beliefs. As we dissect doublethink, it will become increasingly evident that Orwell’s cautionary tale holds remarkable relevance in our contemporary world, where information is abundant, but discerning truth from falsehood can feel like navigating a maze.

As Orwell defined it, doublethink is the ability to accept two contradictory beliefs simultaneously and believe in them without recognizing the inherent contradiction. It’s a mental gymnastics act that challenges the very essence of critical thinking and rationality. In other words, doublethink is believing in something that feels wrong and right. This is how a person can believe in two separate beliefs contradicting each other and believe both are correct when, in reality, one must be wrong.

Is the sky blue or orange? One might say the sky is blue, but another person might say it depends on the time of the day. We know this as adults, but if you take a child outside and point to the sky and ask them what color the sky is, they will say blue, maybe white, if it is a cloudy day. Yet, if you told them the sky was orange, they would question your sanity. This beginner example will serve as an introduction to the more intricate examples.

In Orwell’s view, he illustrates doublethink through slogans like “war is peace,” “freedom is slavery,” and “ignorance is strength.” These paradoxical phrases underscore the manipulation of language to control thought and maintain the oppressive regime’s power. Can you see where the confusion is already settling in?

How can war equate to peace, especially in our world today? News and social media videos show chaos, destruction, and death. How could this be peace when innocent people, including children, are dying? This aspect of doublethink is just that. War can bring peace, but the path is oftentimes paved with the bodies of the deceased. No moral compass is involved in what rhyme or reason the war stands to accomplish. However, the side that wins believes that this will bring peace or at least a better situation for their mindset.

While doublethink originated in fiction, its echoes can be heard in the real world. Political rhetoric, media manipulation, and propaganda often create an environment where contradictory ideas coexist without raising eyebrows. Examining instances where individuals accept conflicting beliefs sheds light on the pervasive nature of doublethink. This was done during the pandemic when they had the lockdowns and started to roll out the vaccines. Doublethink was present not only in the minds of the populace but also in the words of the politicians.

In today’s information age, media is pivotal in shaping public perception. The manipulation of language and the presentation of conflicting information contribute to a climate where doublethink can thrive. Examining how media narratives influence our understanding of events is crucial to recognizing the subtle dance of contradictory ideas.

This raises the major issue that doublethink poses a significant threat to critical thinking. The discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs may lead individuals to avoid questioning or accepting information at face value. Exploring the impact of doublethink on our ability to think critically allows us to understand its insidious influence on intellectual autonomy. In other words, you will conform before you think for yourself. This is something many people in the world are afraid to do because they will be ostracized by their workplace, friends, family, etc., and that is not good for how we are naturally wired, but in our world today, that predated primal mechanism of community equals safety is outdated to an extent.

Central to doublethink is the manipulation of language. Orwell warned about the dangers of redefining truth by altering words and phrases. Examining contemporary examples where language is weaponized to distort reality emphasizes the enduring relevance of Orwell’s insights. This tactic is done by focusing on emotional responses instead of logical standings. If you can control a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, they are not free but enslaved.

As we confront the challenges of navigating the labyrinth of doublethink, it becomes imperative to cultivate a society that values critical thinking, media literacy, and intellectual independence. Recognizing the signs of doublethink and fostering an environment where questioning is encouraged are crucial steps toward safeguarding the integrity of truth.

This is an aspect of mindset coaching here at Reven Concepts. The information you have and the thoughts you believe are authentic to yourself. Yes, it can be easy to turn on the news and believe what you are being told, but what if I told you that the truth was too much for the average person to handle, so we water it down with white lies to sway your emotions? Many people are stepping away from legacy media and beginning to ask critical questions that will give them the truth and the path they need to follow.

This exploration of doublethink serves as a timeless reminder of the fragility of truth in the face of manipulation. As we grapple with the complexities of our modern world, understanding and resisting doublethink becomes a collective responsibility. By embracing critical thinking and vigilance, we can navigate the maze of conflicting information and preserve the essence of a society anchored in truth and transparency. This will help you create a mindset, and a life that you can be certain is your true self instead of one indoctrinated by society and others.

Until then,

Michael Rearden

Founder of Reven Concepts