Everyone could be against the system, and wish it weren’t so, but still be efficient and effective cogs in the machine. The machine does not require willing cogs. O’Brien seems more resigned than a true believer, but he obediently plays his part as a cog.
On the other hand, this can also be applied optimistically, to the human tendency towards corruption, abuse of power etc.
On the other hand, this can also be applied optimistically, to the human tendency towards corruption, abuse of power etc.