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 enemy of the moment always represented absolute evil, and it followed that any past or future agreement with him was impossible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the idea that one cannot reconcile with someone deemed wholly evil.
George Orwell's quote suggests that in times of conflict, the opposing force is often viewed as the embodiment of evil, making any attempt at compromise or agreement seem futile. This perspective emphasizes the moral absolutism that can arise during intense strife, illustrating how perceptions of good and evil can shape the dynamics of conflict and cooperation.
Themes
ConflictEvilAgreementMoralityCompromise
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker discussing the nature of conflict in a political debate.
More from George Orwell
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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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