1984

"As a whole the world is more primitive today than it was fifty years ago" (198).

This quote, to me, answers Winston's lingering question. In The Book Goldstein say that the new society that has been created made no progress for the world. It is like the people lived during the Dark Age. They had no real ambition or curiosity for the world around them. This is do to the fear of what the party might do tho them. Also due to the fact that people are not allowed to think for themselves will not bring them anywhere. Furthermore, the party got rid of anyone who seems to be more intelligent then the rest.

Dilapidated- partly ruined or decayed, especially as a result of neglect

Austere- imposing or suggesting physical hardship