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
One of the curious things about censorship is that no one seems to believe in it for himself. We want censorship to protect someone elseβ the young, the unstable, the suggestible, the stupid. I have never heard of anyone who wanted a film or speaker banned because otherwise he himself might be harmed.
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The ideal of a single civilization for everyone, implicit in the cult of progress and technique, impoverishes and mutilates us
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What is man without the beasts? For if all the beast were gone, man would die of a great loneliness of the spirit.
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I shall soon be six-and-twenty. Is there anything in the future that can possibly console us for not being always twenty-five?
Lord ByronRead