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 →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.
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
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No, Groucho is not my real name. I am breaking it in for a friend.
Groucho MarxRead