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
For after all, what is there behind, except money? Money for the right kind of education, money for influential friends, money for leisure and peace of mind, money for trips to Italy. Money writes books, money sells them. Give me not righteousness, O lord, give me money, only money.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the value placed on money over moral virtues and highlights its influence in various aspects of life.
George Orwell's quote expresses a cynical view on the role of money in society, suggesting that it is the driving force behind many of our pursuits such as education, social connections, and personal happiness. The speaker seems to argue that righteousness is secondary to the practical advantages that money can provide, revealing a disillusioned attitude towards societal values where wealth is prioritized over ethical considerations.
Themes
MoneyEducationInfluenceRighteousnessSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the role of wealth in education, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of money.
More from George Orwell
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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.
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Not to expose your true feelings to an adult seems to be instinctive from the age of seven or eight onwards.
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As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.
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It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
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