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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being human means embracing imperfection rather than striving for unattainable perfection.
This quote by George Orwell highlights a fundamental aspect of the human experience: our acceptance of flaws and imperfections. It suggests that the search for perfection can lead to dissatisfaction and that true humanity lies in recognizing and accepting our limitations, which fosters growth, empathy, and connection with others.
Themes
HumanImperfectionAcceptanceGrowthFlaws
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-acceptance, one might use this quote to remind the audience that nobody is perfect.
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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Civilization survives on the constant discovery of amity and an equal supply of damnation.
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For all parts of the body that we see fit to expose to the wind and air are found fit to endure it: face, feet, hands, legs, shoulders, head, according as custom invites us. For if there is a part of us that is tender and that seems as though it should fear the cold, it should be the stomach, where digestion takes place; our fathers left it uncovered, and our ladies, soft and delicate as they are, sometimes go half bare down to the navel.
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