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
Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that every generation believes it possesses greater intelligence than the previous one and greater wisdom than the next.
George Orwell's quote reflects a common phenomenon where individuals tend to see their own perspectives and knowledge as superior to those of past and future generations. This notion points to the inherent human tendency to pride oneself on the advancements made in understanding and insight, while often underestimating the wisdom and achievements of those who preceded them, as well as the potential of those who will follow.
Themes
IntelligenceWisdomGenerationsPrideUnderstandingPerspective
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of learning from history.
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.
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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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It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
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