A Book That Changes How You Think About Freedom, Power, and Control

But what if the most dangerous form of control is when people believe they are free — and never question anything?

Today’s newsletter is about a book that quietly exposes how power works, how language is used to control minds, and how easily people can be manipulated when they stop thinking critically.

It’s written in simple English, yet the ideas are deep, thought-provoking, and timeless.

The book is Animal Farm.
And once you understand its message, you will never look at power, leadership, or information the same way again.

This story is not really about animals.

It’s about:

And more importantly, it’s about what happens when people stop asking questions.
As you read, I want you to think about three things:

The story takes place on a farm called Manor Farm.

The animals live difficult lives.
They work every day, yet they are hungry, tired, and have no freedom.

The farm is owned by a man named Mr. Jones — a careless, selfish leader who takes everything and gives nothing back.

He represents an old type of power: autocratic, greedy, and disconnected from the people he controls.

One night, an old pig named Old Major gives a speech that changes everything.

His message is simple:

He explains that animals produce everything — milk, meat, eggs, wool — yet humans take all the rewards.

If animals work together, he says, they can create a fair and free society.

For the first time, the animals feel hope.
They imagine a future with:

Soon after, Old Major dies.
But his ideas stay alive.

Not long after, Mr. Jones forgets to feed the animals.
That moment changes everything.

The animals rebel.
They chase Mr. Jones away and take control of the farm.
They rename it Animal Farm.

At first, everything feels exciting.

The pigs — the smartest animals — take leadership roles.

Two pigs become especially important:

Together, they create Seven Commandments, including the most important one:

The animals believe they are finally free.

They work harder than ever — not for a master, but for themselves.
Or so they think.

Power rarely changes things suddenly.
It changes slowly. Quietly. Almost invisibly.

Napoleon removes Snowball using fear and violence.
From that moment on, Napoleon becomes the only leader.

The pigs move into the farmhouse.
They sleep in beds.
They drink alcohol.

Each time the animals feel confused, a pig named Squealer explains everything.

Squealer controls language.
He says things like:

The animals are tired.
They don’t remember the past clearly.
So they believe him. Little by little, the commandments change.

Until only one remains:

This is the moment the truth becomes clear:
Those who control language control reality.

Napoleon now controls:

Animals who question him are punished.

Some are forced to confess crimes they never committed.

Fear becomes normal.

The animals work harder than ever, yet life is worse than before.
Still, they are told:

Eventually, the pigs begin working with humans — the same humans they once called enemies.

Animal Farm shows us how:

It teaches a dangerous truth:

This happens in:

If people don’t:

Then control becomes permanent.

First, the language is simple, but the ideas are deep and thought-provoking.

Second, English is not just a language. It’s a tool for thinking.

Through English, you can:

You don’t develop this ability by scrolling through social media.

You develop it by:

Read more.
Think deeper.
Ask better questions.
That’s how language gives real power.

And that’s how you protect yourself — mentally, emotionally, and intellectually.

If you enjoyed this letter, go back and read it again and share it with a friend.

Also, want to listen to the podcast version? Click here.

I’ll see you in the next one.

Z