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 a creative writer possession of the 'truth' is less important than emotional sincerity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Emotional authenticity is more valuable than factual accuracy for a writer.
George Orwell emphasizes that for creative writers, the emotional truth of their writing carries more weight than simply adhering to factual truth. This highlights the importance of conveying feelings and connections in storytelling, suggesting that sincere expression can resonate more deeply with readers than a strict presentation of reality.
Themes
TruthEmotional SincerityCreativityWritingAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire a group of aspiring writers during a creative workshop.
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.
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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.
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