Seven Commandments (thing)

The principle rules of Animalism in George Orwell's book Animal Farm. The Commandments were painted upon the side of the barn so that the animals might easily refer to or memorise them.

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.

However, once Napoleon, the fearful, awe-inspiring pig, takes over the farm (beyond chapter six), the commandments are subtly changed, in order to excuse the behaviour of the pigs and dogs. Despite finding Squealer (a pig) one night on a ladder next to the barn wall where the Commandments are written with a tin of paint, the animals fail to notice the alterations. Those who do, dismiss the matter in adherence to their popular maxim 'Napoleon is always right'. Over the course of several years the commandments are altered as such:

1. No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.
2. No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.
3. No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.
4. All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.