Only if you completely redefine some aspect of the equation. You’d have to define “5” to actually mean “4” or change the meaning of “+” or “=” in some way that changes the operation. 2+2=4 isn’t just an abstract statement, it’s based on the way the physical world works. If you have 2 apples, and then I give you 2 more, you don’t suddenly have 5 apples because we all decided 2+2=5.
Orwell’s meaning in 1984 wasn’t about belief changing the world, it was about the power of brainwashing and how fascism demands obedience.
Only if you completely redefine some aspect of the equation. You’d have to define “5” to actually mean “4” or change the meaning of “+” or “=” in some way that changes the operation. 2+2=4 isn’t just an abstract statement, it’s based on the way the physical world works. If you have 2 apples, and then I give you 2 more, you don’t suddenly have 5 apples because we all decided 2+2=5.
Orwell’s meaning in 1984 wasn’t about belief changing the world, it was about the power of brainwashing and how fascism demands obedience.