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
If you have embraced a creed which appears to be free from the ordinary dirtiness of politics - a creed from which you yourself cannot expect to draw any material advantage - surely that proves that you are in the right?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that an ideal belief system is one that is free from personal gain and political corruption.
In this quote, George Orwell emphasizes the importance of a creed that stands apart from the usual corrupting influences of politics. He argues that if one advocates for a belief that does not offer personal benefits and is not tainted by the usual political dirtiness, it is a strong indicator that one's commitment to that belief is genuine and morally right. This reflects a deeper understanding of ethics and integrity in one's values and actions.
Themes
CreedPoliticsIntegrityEthicsMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on ethical leadership, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of values.
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.
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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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