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
A dirty joke is a sort of mental rebellion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A dirty joke represents a challenge to societal norms and moral constraints.
This quote by George Orwell highlights how humor, particularly in the form of dirty jokes, can serve as a form of rebellion against societal expectations and taboos. Such jokes allow individuals to express their discontent with conventional morality and challenge the status quo through laughter, suggesting that humor can be a powerful tool for personal freedom and dissent.
Themes
HumorRebellionSocietyJokeFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a comedy club to explain the essence of humor.
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.
George OrwellRead
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
Similar quotes
Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone.
Anthony BurgessRead
Smile well and often, it makes people wonder what you've been up to.
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Humor is just another defense against the universe.
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GOOD, adj. Sensible, madam, to the worth of this present writer. Alive, sir, to the advantages of letting him alone.
Ambrose BierceRead
In two decades I've lost a total of 789 pounds. I should be hanging from a charm bracelet.
Erma BombeckRead
A genuine sense of humor is having a light touch: not beating reality into the ground but appreciating reality with a light touch. The basis of Shambhala vision is rediscovering that perfect and real sense of humor, that light touch of appreciation.
Chogyam TrungpaRead