George Orwell

Date of Birth: June 25, 1903

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: January 21, 1950

Biography

George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic. He is best known for his dystopian novels “1984” and “Animal Farm,” which have left a lasting impact on literature and political thought. Orwell was born in Motihari, India, on June 25, 1903, and was raised in England. He attended Eton College, where he was a King’s Scholar. After completing his education, Orwell served in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma, an experience that profoundly influenced his later works. His strong opposition to totalitarianism, social injustice, and the abuse of power is a recurring theme in his writing. Orwell’s body of work also includes numerous essays, articles, and reviews, making him one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

5 Interesting Facts about George Orwell

1. George Orwell’s real name was Eric Arthur Blair; he chose his pen name to avoid embarrassing his family with his political views.

2. During the Spanish Civil War, Orwell fought with the POUM militia, where he was wounded by a sniper.

3. Orwell’s book “Animal Farm” was initially rejected by several publishers, including T.S. Eliot, before being published in 1945.

4. “1984” has introduced many terms and concepts into popular culture, such as “Big Brother,” “doublethink,” and “thoughtcrime.”

5. Orwell once worked as a teacher and a bookseller while trying to establish his writing career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Orwell

1. “In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”

2. “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”

3. “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

4. “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”

5. “The best books… are those that tell you what you know already.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death in 1950, Orwell had a modest estate. However, his works have since generated substantial posthumous revenue, with his estate worth several million dollars today.