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 essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection, that one is sometimes willing to commit sins for the sake of loyalty, that one does not push asceticism to the point where it makes friendly intercourse impossible, and that one is prepared in the end to be defeated and broken up by life, which is the inevitable price of fastening one's love upon other human individuals.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being human involves accepting imperfections and valuing loyalty, even at the cost of mistakes and personal challenges.
This quote by George Orwell reflects on the complexities of human relationships, suggesting that perfection is not a goal for individuals who genuinely connect with others. It highlights the importance of loyalty, the fallibility of humans in their interactions, and the inevitability of facing hardships in love and relationships, emphasizing that these experiences shape our humanity.
Themes
HumanLoyaltyImperfectionRelationshipsLove
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared at a gathering discussing the nature of human connections.
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
Similar quotes
I think when one becomes very close to another person, it can mean loving and intimacy, but on the other hand, there's also the danger of one destructing another under the name of love. I think that is the scariest thing for me in various relationships.
Bong Joon-HoRead
For anyone who says 'Who cares if you're gay? It's 2018,' well, a lot of people care because a lot of people had the opportunity to be out, and there's been a lot of fear surrounding it. This is the first time we're seeing representation, and because of that, it is a big deal.
Gus KenworthyRead
Home is people. Not a place. If you go back there after the people are gone, then all you can see is what is not there any more.
Robin HobbRead
I think there's a lot of gay women in sports, and it's widely known in the team; they can live a pretty open lifestyle without being open in the media.
Megan RapinoeRead
Only married people understand you can be miserable and happy at the same time.
Chris RockRead
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
Albert SchweitzerRead