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
Last of all came the cat, who looked round, as usual, for the warmest place, and finally squeezed herself in between Boxer and Clover; there she purred contentedly throughout Major's speech without listening to a word of what he was saying.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote illustrates the tendency to seek comfort and disengage from important discussions.
In this passage, George Orwell uses the character of the cat to symbolize those who prioritize their own comfort over engaging with significant matters. The cat's actions reflect a critique of complacency, suggesting that individuals may choose to ignore critical issues in favor of remaining in a place of comfort and security, highlighting a deeper commentary on societal behaviors during times of change or upheaval.
Themes
ComfortDisengagementComplacencySocietyIgnorance
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about social responsibility, one could reference this quote to illustrate the need for active participation rather than passive observation.
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.
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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.
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Not to expose your true feelings to an adult seems to be instinctive from the age of seven or eight onwards.
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As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.
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It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
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