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
He was an embittered atheist, the sort of atheist who does not so much disbelieve in God as personally dislike Him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a personal and emotional rejection of God rather than a mere disbelief.
George Orwell describes a type of atheist who harbors a deep-seated resentment toward the concept of God, suggesting that their disbelief is not just intellectual but is rooted in personal animosity. This perspective points to the complexities of faith and doubt, where one's feelings about God can influence their beliefs more than rational arguments alone.
Themes
AtheismDisbeliefResistanceGodPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on religion, one might use this quote to illustrate the emotional depth of some atheistic beliefs.
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
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To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.
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I find the Englishman to be him of all men who stands firmest in his shoes. They have in themselves what they value in their horses, mettle and bottom.
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