The general increase in prosperity threatens the hierarchical society with death. Having become universal, wealth ceases to create differences. Such a society cannot be sustainable. For if everyone can enjoy safety and leisure, then the vast mass of people, the dullness of poverty, will become literate and learn to think for themselves, and then people will realize sooner or later that the privileged few play no role and will kick them out. Ultimately, a hierarchical society is based only on poverty and ignorance. 1984.

The general increase in prosperity threatens the hierarchical society with death. Having become universal, wealth ceases to create differences. Such a society cannot be sustainable. For if everyone can enjoy safety and leisure, then the vast mass of people, the dullness of poverty, will become literate and learn to think for themselves, and then people will realize sooner or later that the privileged few play no role and will kick them out. Ultimately, a hierarchical society is based only on poverty and ignorance. 1984.