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
Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Freedom includes the ability to express unpopular opinions.
This quote by George Orwell highlights the essential role of free speech in a democratic society. It emphasizes that true freedom is not merely about expressing agreeable ideas, but also about having the courage to voice unpopular or uncomfortable truths, even if they may be met with resistance or disapproval from others.
Themes
FreedomSpeechTruthExpressionDemocracyUnpopular
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about the importance of free speech on college campuses.
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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In the fullness of time, educated people will believe there is no soul independent of the body, and hence no life after death.
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I have long since passed that period when I felt personal discomfort at the sight of an ill-dressed or illiterate Negro. Social awareness has taught me where to lay the blame.
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