"Literacy rots the brain, I'm afraid. And a rotten mind is of no use to the New Order." This quote suggests that being educated or literate is viewed negatively, implying it may weaken or corrupt one's mind. The speaker seems to believe that an uneducated mind aligns better with the ideals or control of the "New Order." It reflects a perspective that possibly condemns knowledge as a threat to authority or societal control.
The quote also states, "Sadly, there must be consequences," indicating that this belief leads to actions or policies that punish or suppress literacy and independent thinking. It portrays a dystopian viewpoint where the ruling power seeks to maintain dominance by discouraging or removing education and critical thought among people.