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
The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Denying people their history undermines their identity and knowledge.
This quote emphasizes the importance of historical understanding and identity. By obliterating someone's knowledge of their past, their perception of themselves and their place in the world is profoundly affected, leading to powerlessness and disorientation. Orwell warns us about the dangers of manipulating history, as it can lead to the domination of individuals and societies.
Themes
HistoryIdentityUnderstandingPowerManipulation
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of historical education, one might quote George Orwell to emphasize the stakes involved.
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
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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