1984: 9

"The best books, he perceived, are those that tell you what you already know"(Orwell 200).

As human beings, it is our instinct to look for reassurance. We find validation for our actions by seeking examples of people acting, feeling, or thinking the same way that we do. It is in our nature to gravitate towards things similar to ourselves. This aspect of Winston is clear, both in the way he seeks companionship from others who share his contempt for the Party and the way in which he treats the book. Winston looks for people who think like he does, and share his need to stay human, thus satisfying the part of him that needs reassurance. As he reads the book, Winston finds that it puts together all of his jumbled feelings and thoughts, in this way, his actions and thoughts have been validated. In our own lives, we are much like Winston, we like things that prove our point, and we need reassurance. Winston is staying in touch with the part of him that needs answers, asks questions, and looks for reason.