Most comments on 1984 center on its political, social, and moral implications, as well as numerous conspiracy theories pertaining to modern governments. However, often the metaphysical aspect of this book is ignored. The point is that the world, as it is perceived by us, is a feature of how our brain processes incoming sensory information. Aside from all the other points raised, this book also explores the power of the human mind. It is already known that in Eastern mystical practices people were able to train their mind to the point where seeming physical barriers were overcome, and even pain was no longer felt. 1984 describes essentially the same thing, though in a more macabre setting. If everyone human being excercises his mind to the point where it is flexible enough to alter perceived reality than the objective nature of physical laws becomes irrelevant, since the only thing that makes reality is the human mind. This aspect of brain-washing--or doublethink---is considered perhaps the most harrowing aspect of the 1984 society--but why should it be so. It is only horrific because it is abused by a government that intends to keep the majority of masses at an unhappy sustenance level. However, that does not always have to be the case. The idea of the human mind perceiving a different reality than the one we are used to is not in itself an evil phenomenon--just a foreign one to us and therefore feared. However, it is not out of the question that some future society might exist in precisely such a state of altered reality with a result much happier than that presented by Orwell. <br><br>On a different note, my most pressing question regarding the book is why the Party should strive so dilligently to maintain power that doesn't seem to be too beneficial to any individual party member nor is it something that is even necessarily hereditary. I don't believe Orwell when he says "Power is God" and leaves that as the ultimate explanation for Winston's question of Why? People's basic instinct is to strive for the benefit of themselves and their children---and more remotely for the benefit of society in general. The accumulation of power in Oceanic society doesn't seem to serve any such purpose. I would welcome any opinions on this subject. Perhaps someone has a more satisfactory view of it,