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
As I write, highly civilized human beings are flying overhead, trying to kill me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the irony of advanced civilization coexisting with violence and war.
George Orwell's quote reflects the stark contrast between human technological advancement and the moral failings exhibited through acts of violence and war. It emphasizes the absurdity of a 'civilized' society where humanity resorts to killing, prompting a deeper reflection on the true nature of civilization and moral progress.
Themes
CivilizationViolenceIronyWarHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about peace, one might use this quote to highlight the contradictions of modern warfare.
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
Similar quotes
Never underestimate the human capacity for wishful thinking and willful blindness,' said Miles. Such as a whole society of people who became so wrapped up in avoiding death, they forgot to be alive?
Lois Mcmaster BujoldRead
I'm more than willing to go to places and talk to people who believe that I am an illegal alien who deserves to be jailed. I want to look them in the eye and say, 'What makes you think I'm any different from you?' I think for our generation, immigration rights is a civil rights issue.
Jose Antonio VargasRead
The varieties of religious belief are an advantage, since all faiths are good, so far as they encourage us to lead a religious life. The more sects there are, the more opportunities there are for making a successful appeal to the divine instinct in all of us.
Swami VivekanandaRead
I'm Gentleman Death in silk and lace, come to put out the candles. The canker in the heart of the rose.
Anne RiceRead
How can you take seriously someone who likes to believe something because he finds it 'comforting'?
Richard DawkinsRead
As the skies appear to a man, so is his mind. Some see only clouds there; some, prodigies and portents; some rarely look up at all; their heads, like the brutes,' are directed toward Earth. Some behold there serenity, purity, beauty ineffable. The world runs to see the panorama, when there is a panorama in the sky which few go to see.
Henry David ThoreauRead