The Seven Commandments of Equality and Their Transformation in Animal Farm

Imagine a farm where the animals are in charge, calling the shots and making decisions without any humans around. This is the world of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, a tale of hope, rebellion, and the inevitable rise and fall of an idealistic dream. The animals, once oppressed by their human owners, overthrow their masters and create a society built on the idea of equality.

The pigs, the smartest of the bunch, take charge and write down a set of rules called the Seven Commandments, meant to ensure fairness and unity for all animals. In the beginning, these commandments offer a glimmer of hope, a promise of a fresh start where every animal shares the power equally. But as the days turn into months, and the months into years, the commandments slowly begin to change, twisted and bent by the very pigs who once promised a better world. What began as a vision of equality slowly crumbles under the weight of power and corruption, leaving behind a society that’s anything but equal.

The Original Seven Commandments and Their Purpose

The Seven Commandments were simple and clear. They were meant to unite the animals against their former human oppressors and create a society where no animal would dominate another. The commandments included:

• Anything that goes on two legs is an enemy.

• Anything that goes on four legs or has wings is a friend.

• No animal shall wear clothes.

• No animal shall sleep in a bed.

• No animal shall drink alcohol.

• No animal shall kill any other animal.

• All animals are equal.

  
  

These rules were designed to protect the animals from the abuses they suffered under human control. The emphasis on equality was the foundation of their new society. The animals felt hopeful and proud, believing they had finally escaped injustice.

The Seven Commandments painted on a farm fence

How the Commandments Reflected the Ideal of Equality

The commandments symbolized a clear vision: equality means no one is above another, and everyone shares the same rights and responsibilities. The rule “All animals are equal” was the cornerstone. It promised that no animal, regardless of strength or intelligence, would exploit others.

This ideal encouraged cooperation. The animals worked together to run the farm, sharing the harvest and making decisions collectively. The commandments also set boundaries to prevent behaviors that could lead to inequality, such as wearing clothes or drinking alcohol, which were seen as signs of human privilege.

The Gradual Transformation of the Commandments

Over time, the pigs who led the farm began to change. They started to enjoy privileges that other animals did not have. The commandments were altered to justify these changes. For example, the rule against sleeping in beds was changed to allow animals to sleep in beds, but not with sheets. Similarly, the ban on alcohol was relaxed to allow drinking, but only in moderation.

The most striking change came at the end when the final commandment was altered to read: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This shift fundamentally contradicted the original ideal of equality. It allowed the pigs to claim superiority while still pretending to uphold fairness.

What the Transformation Reveals About Power and Equality

The shift in the commandments shows how power can corrupt ideals. The pigs used the rules not to protect equality but to maintain control. They manipulated language and laws to serve their interests, while the other animals remained unaware or powerless to stop it.

This story reflects real-world situations where those in power change rules to benefit themselves. It warns that equality is fragile and requires constant vigilance. Without transparency and accountability, rules meant to protect fairness can become tools of oppression.

Lessons from the Seven Commandments for Today

The story of the Seven Commandments is more than just a tale about animals; it’s a powerful lesson about what equality truly means. At first, it seems simple enough – everyone is equal, right? But as the animals quickly learn, equality isn’t just something you say. It’s something you do. It starts with clear rules, rules that apply to every animal, from the cows to the chickens, the horses to the pigs. But rules alone aren’t enough.

Equality also needs leaders who are accountable for their actions, who don’t use their power to exploit others, but instead uphold the principles of fairness for all. And what about the rest of the animals? They must stay vigilant, always watching for the moment when the rules start changing, when fairness is twisted. Equality isn’t just a nice thought – it’s a daily commitment, something that must be reflected in every decision, every action, every word.

As the commandments slowly change, and the pigs begin to bend the rules to suit their growing privileges, the animals realize something crucial: equality must be actively protected. It can’t be taken for granted, or else it will be twisted to serve the powerful. In their world, it was eroded piece by piece, disguised as fairness. And that’s the lesson we must carry with us – the fight for justice and equality never ends. It’s something we must actively defend, or risk losing it to those who would twist it for their own gain.