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
It is impossible to found a civilization on fear and hatred and cruelty. It would never endure.' 'Why not?' 'It would have no vitality. It would disintegrate. It would commit suicide.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True civilization cannot be built on negative emotions such as fear and hatred.
In this quote, George Orwell emphasizes that a civilization built on fear, hatred, and cruelty lacks the essential qualities that allow it to thrive. Such a society's foundation is too weak and toxic for lasting vitality, ultimately leading to its own demise, or 'suicide.'
Themes
CivilizationFearHatredCrueltyVitality
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on social unity, I might say, 'As Orwell noted, civilizations cannot thrive on fear and hatred.'
More from George Orwell
All quotes →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.
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
A state is not a mere society, having a common place, established for the prevention of mutual crime and for the sake of exchange. Political society exists for the sake of noble actions, and not mere companionship.
AristotleRead
In justifying cruelty to animals we put ourselves also on the animal level. We choose the jungle and must abide by our choice.
C. S. LewisRead
Harlem is not a playground for rich bankers and consultants. It's got students of all colors. It's got old people who keep history and tell tall tales.
Marcus SamuelssonRead
The soul at its highest is found like God, but an angel gives a closer idea of Him. That is all an angel is: an idea of God.
Meister EckhartRead
Glorious indeed is the world of God around us, but more glorious the world of God within us.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
If truth were everywhere to be shown, a scarlet letter would blaze forth on many a bosom.
Nathaniel HawthorneRead