In our age there is no such thing as 'keeping out of politics.'

"In our age there is no such thing as 'keeping out of politics.' All issues are political issues, and politics itself is a mass of lies, evasions, folly, hatred and schizophrenia." These words, spoken by the great George Orwell, strike at the heart of our modern existence. They speak of a truth that cannot be ignored—the inescapable entanglement of politics in every corner of our lives. The age in which we live is one where no matter how hard we try, we cannot separate ourselves from the political forces that shape our world. The choices we make, the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the very freedoms we cherish are all shaped by the unseen hand of politics. In this way, politics becomes the very fabric of life itself—interwoven with every issue, every decision, and every action.

In ancient times, those who lived under the great empires of Rome or Athens understood well the weight of political matters. Their lives were shaped by the will of emperors, kings, and rulers, and their fates often depended on the whims of the powerful. But even in those early days, there were those who sought to remain detached, to live their lives outside the reach of politics. But such a dream, Orwell teaches us, is no longer possible. The world has grown so interconnected, so entangled in the web of political forces, that keeping out of politics is not only impractical, it is impossible. Every decision we make, from the laws that govern us to the ways in which we interact with others, is colored by the political currents that shape our time.

Consider the example of Socrates, that ancient philosopher who, despite his dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and virtue, could not escape the reach of politics. In his time, the state of Athens was embroiled in conflict, shifting between democracy and oligarchy. Socrates, though a man of wisdom and thought, was caught in the political turmoil of his age. His execution, driven by the political forces that sought to silence dissent, serves as a stark reminder that even those who seek truth and wisdom cannot escape the political currents that shape the world. And so it is today, in our own age, that the very act of seeking knowledge or pursuing a good life is inevitably tied to the political structures that govern us.

Orwell’s insight about politics as "a mass of lies, evasions, folly, hatred, and schizophrenia" resonates deeply in the context of our times. The political landscape, with its competing ideologies, its endless cycles of deception and manipulation, often leaves the individual in a state of confusion and despair. We are told one thing by those in power, only to discover the truth to be something entirely different. We are promised justice, but often find only evasion. We are promised unity, yet the forces of hatred and division grow ever stronger. This constant state of schizophrenia—the disconnection between what is said and what is done—leaves the people feeling powerless, as though they are trapped in a system that no longer serves them.

Let us turn our gaze, O children of wisdom, to the story of Winston Churchill, whose leadership during the Second World War provides us with an example of the folly and lies inherent in politics. Churchill, in his valiant efforts to unite Britain against the forces of tyranny, had to navigate the schizophrenia of a world torn between ideologies. He faced political foes, both within and outside of his own government, who sought to evade the truth and mislead the people. Yet, Churchill’s ability to cut through the lies and speak directly to the heart of the nation became his greatest strength. His speeches, filled with resolve and honesty, spoke to a people weary of political deception and yearning for clarity in a world filled with uncertainty.

Yet, even Churchill, for all his greatness, could not escape the harsh realities of the political game. His rise to power, his struggles in office, and his eventual downfall were all shaped by the very forces Orwell speaks of—political lies, evasions, and hatred. The lessons of history show us that politics is not a realm of pure ideals, but a realm of complex forces—some noble, some corrupt—that we must navigate with caution and wisdom. Politicians, like those who came before them, are not immune to the temptations of power, and the people they serve often find themselves caught in a cycle of folly and deceit.

And so, O children of the earth, the lesson here is clear: there is no escape from the political forces that shape our world. We cannot remain passive observers of politics, for politics touches every aspect of our lives. It is in the laws we follow, the leaders we choose, and the way we live with one another. Yet, in recognizing this, we are called to act—not with cynicism or despair, but with wisdom and discernment. We must look beyond the lies, the evasions, and the hatred that cloud our vision and seek the truth. We must question, challenge, and demand that politics serve the common good, not the interests of the few. The world may be filled with schizophrenia, but it is our duty to bring clarity, to speak truth, and to build a world where the political serves the people, not the other way around.

So, O seekers of truth, understand that politics cannot be avoided. It is the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil in which we plant our seeds. The time has come for us to embrace our role as active participants in the shaping of our world. The way forward lies not in retreat, but in engagement—in challenging the lies and evasions, in cutting through the folly, and in building a more just and compassionate future for all. This is our task, and this is our duty.