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
The only imaginative prose writer of the slightest value who has appeared among the English-speaking races for some years past.
Interpretation
What this quote means
George Orwell is praised for his significant literary contribution among English-speaking authors in recent years.
In this quote, George Orwell reflects on the scarcity of truly imaginative prose writers in the English language during his time, suggesting that he considers himself to be a vital and valuable voice in this literary landscape. His statement underscores the importance of originality and creativity in writing, as well as the impact of a writer's imagination on literature as a whole.
Themes
ImaginationLiteratureWritingCreativityValue
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a literary discussion to highlight great writers.
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
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Walter KirnRead
Of course, the fact that Dostoevsky can tell a juicy story isn't enough to make him great. If it were, Judith Krantz and John Grisham would be great fiction writers, and by any but the most commercial standards they're not even very good.
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The problem with most genre fantasy is that it's not nearly fantastic enough. It's escapist, but it can't escape.
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Literature is as old as speech. It grew out of a human need for it, and it has not changed except to become more needed
John SteinbeckRead
People apparently only read mystery stories of any length. With mysteries, the longer the better, and people will read any damn thing. But the indulgent, 800-page books that were written a hundred years ago are just not going to be written anymore, and people need to get used to that.
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Literature is a defense against the attacks of life. It says to life: You can't deceive me. I know your habits, foresee and enjoy watching all your reactions, and steal your secret by involving you in cunning obstructions that halt your normal flow.
Cesare PaveseRead