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
As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The effectiveness of socialism is often undermined by the behavior of those who support it.
In this quote, George Orwell suggests that just as the Christian faith can sometimes be negatively impacted by the actions of its followers, the principles of socialism can be tarnished by the conduct of its advocates. This highlights a broader theme regarding how individuals' behaviors and beliefs can shape perceptions of ideological systems.
Themes
SocialismChristianityAdherentsPerceptionIdeology
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a debate about the impact of individual supporters on political ideologies.
More from George Orwell
All quotes βThe 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
It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
George OrwellRead
I sometimes think that the price of liberty is not so much eternal vigilance as eternal dirt.
George OrwellRead
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