I think.
Reading unlocks worlds of fun, knowledge, and quiet escape, like a magic door in your mind.
When I was younger, I had a voracious appetite for reading.
As I got older, it has gradually become a luxurious indulgence due to work, life and distractions.
Believe it or not, the ability to pick up (in reading) from where one has left off seemed challenging at times as well.
Novels have been displaced by news articles / posts on current affairs, US stock market and economic reports — concise with a purpose, that does not have room for imagination (LOL!).
Personally, these are the little ironies of life.
George Orwell - Animal Farm.
Having said what I said, I am happy to share that I managed to pick up George Orwell - Animal Farm again recently, to re-live the new story behind the story.
You see, Animal Farm is a political satire.
It tells the story of a farm (a world!) where animals (citizens) have been subjected to abuse.
It was so bad that the animals started a revolution and drove the farmer (ruler) out successfully.
With victories on hand, the animals collectively run the farm and establish the magnificent 7 rules to govern all animals.
The purest of pure intentions soon gave ways to arrogance, privileges and deceit.
The ending of the novel had the other animals staring into the room occupied by the pigs celebrating with human. The irony of it is the animals could no longer tell them apart. (see above)
My viewpoints: (mine and mine alone)
I was mildly surprised with my afterthoughts about Animal Farm this time round.
It no longer revolves around political ideology and its how regardless of what political system is at play, the core at play is all about human nature.
This time round, I see parallelism between the story and investing in the US market (LOL!).
I guessed sub-consciously investing has become a part of mine.
Here’s what I think.
Power Imbalance:
(1) Animal Farm:
The pigs, led by Napoleon, gradually seize power and manipulate the other animals through propaganda and control over resources.
I think we can all agree of the power weld by large financial institutions and hedge funds in the US stock market.
Their access to information and resources that individual investors often lack, give them an advantage in influencing market movements.
(2) Investors:
Smaller investors may feel powerless against these larger institutions, just as the animals in the novel are powerless against the pigs.
This can lead to feelings of frustration and a sense of being at the mercy of forces beyond their control. Do you feel this ? I do and it could be bewildering at times.
Equality and Manipulation:
(3) Animal Farm:
One of the core principles of the animal rebellion is equality.
As the pigs gain power, this ideal is eroded.
Slogans like "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others" highlight the manipulation of language and ideals to justify inequality.
(4) Investors:
While the US stock market strives for fairness and transparency, there are instances of insider trading and market manipulation that benefit certain individuals or groups at the expense of others.
This can create a sense of unfairness and a lack of trust in the system.
Blind Faith and Propaganda:
(5) Animal Farm:
The animals in Animal Farm are easily swayed by the pigs' propaganda, believing in promises of prosperity even when evidence contradicts them.
This can be seen as a parallel to the hype and optimism that sometimes surrounds certain stocks or market trends.
Investors may get caught up in the excitement and make decisions based on hope rather than careful analysis. I can attest to this, having been caught in the SPAC-whirlwind and live to tell it now.
(6) Market Sentiment:
Sentiment and emotional factors can influence the market, leading to bubbles and crashes.
Investors can be swept up in the collective hope or fear, mirroring the blind faith the animals have in the pigs' promises.
Parting words.
Above are but my fleeting thoughts on the novel.
You do not have to agree with what I have shared.
The parallels that I concluded are “interestingly insightful with a twist” but might be a tad overly simplistic comparison.
This is because Animal Farm is a work of friction (albeit a brilliant one) versus the complex realities of the US financial market that will get even more complex in 2024 with the eventual launch of spot Bitcoin ETF.
After all that have been said (above), if you have not read this novel before, I highly recommend it.
I admire George Orwell’s style of writing — simple, concise prose that conveyed his ideas with utmost effectiveness.
A skill I hope to emulate effectively (let’s not talk about mastering…. hee hee).
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Do you think you have come across other works by Mr George Orwell eg. 1984.?
Do you think you will want to read Animal Farm after this review & sharing?
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