If one harbours anywhere in one's mind a nationalistic loyalty or hatred, certain facts, although in a sense known to be true, are inadmissible.
George OrwellRead
Almost as swiftly as he had imagined it, she had torn her clothes off, and when she flung them aside it was with that same magnificent gesture by which a whole civilization seemed to be annihilated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the profound impact of a single act of freedom and rebellion against societal norms.
In this quote, George Orwell portrays a moment of liberation where the act of tearing off clothes symbolizes a rejection of the constraints imposed by civilization. It suggests that such a powerful gesture can represent a profound transformation, as if casting away the weight of societal expectations and norms that bind individuals.
Themes
FreedomRebellionCivilizationSocietyTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to inspire a discussion on personal freedom versus societal constraints in a philosophy class.
More from George Orwell
All quotes →The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.
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Political writing in our time consists almost entirely of prefabricated phrases bolted together like the pieces of a child's Meccano set. It is the unavoidable result of self-censorship. To write in plain, vigorous language one has to think fearlessly, and if one thinks fearlessly one cannot be politically orthodox.
George OrwellRead
Not to expose your true feelings to an adult seems to be instinctive from the age of seven or eight onwards.
George OrwellRead
As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.
George OrwellRead
It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
George OrwellRead
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