QuoteProject
Everyone believes in the atrocities of the enemy and disbelieves in those of his own side, without ever bothering to examine the evidence.
George Orwell
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

People often accept the wrongdoings of their opponents while ignoring the faults of their own side, without critically analyzing the facts.

This quote by George Orwell highlights a common cognitive bias in human behavior where individuals are more inclined to believe negative narratives about their opponents while dismissing or rationalizing similar actions taken by their own group. It encourages critical thinking and self-reflection, urging people to examine their beliefs and the information presented to them rather than accepting it at face value, fostering a more balanced perspective on conflicts and moral truths.

Themes

BiasPerceptionTruthEvidenceConflict

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion about a controversial political issue, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of examining both sides critically.

More from George Orwell

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 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

A lie told often enough becomes the truth.
Vladimir LeninRead
The cyborg would not recognize the garden of Eden; it is not made of mud and cannot dream of returning to dust.
Donna J. HarawayRead
But the fact of it was that I liked it out there, a ruin devoid of human vanities, clean of human illusions, an empty place reclaimed by the weather where a woman plays an organ to stop the wind's whining and an old man plays ball with a dog named Duke. I could tell you that I came back because I had promises to keep, but maybe it was because nobody asked me to stay.
Joan DidionRead
Definitions.... are never really needed, and rarely of any use
Karl PopperRead
I think doctors care very deeply about their patients, but when they organize into the AMA, their responsibility is to the welfare of doctors, and quite often, these lobbying groups are the only ones that are heard in the state capitols and in the capitol of our country.
Jimmy CarterRead
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies!
Francis Pharcellus ChurchRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.