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
Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that some ideas may be foolish, yet are accepted by those who pride themselves on their intellectual status.
George Orwell’s quote highlights the irony that sometimes complex or convoluted ideas are embraced by intellectuals despite their inherent foolishness. It serves as a critique of the tendency among educated individuals to adopt certain beliefs without critical scrutiny, underscoring the importance of maintaining common sense and discernment in the face of seemingly sophisticated arguments.
In practice
In a debate about controversial theories, one could use this quote to challenge the acceptance of unfounded ideas.
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.
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.
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.
Not to expose your true feelings to an adult seems to be instinctive from the age of seven or eight onwards.
As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.
It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that every-thing will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.
People are afraid, very much afraid of those who know themselves. They have a certain power, a certain aura and a certain magnetism.
When writing goes painfully, when it’s hideously difficult, and one feels real despair (ah, the despair, silly as it is, is real!)–then naturally one ought to continue with the work; it would be cowardly to retreat. But when writing goes smoothly–why then one certainly should keep on working, since it would be stupid to stop. Consequently one is always writing or should be writing.
Be obscure clearly! Be wild of tongue in a way we can understand.
Don't be too quick to draw conclusions from what happens to you; simply let it happen. Otherwise it will be too easy for you to look with blame... at your past, which naturally has a share with everything that now meets you.
A finished person is a boring person.
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