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
He wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that individuals often conform to the identities or roles they adopt, losing their true selves in the process.
George Orwell's quote reflects the idea that when people present a facade or adopt a persona ('wear a mask'), that exterior can become ingrained in their identity. Over time, they may change to embody the essence of that mask, indicating a loss of authenticity and a profound transformation of self driven by societal expectations or personal choices.
Themes
IdentityAuthenticityMaskTransformationSelf
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about societal pressures during a seminar on psychology.
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.
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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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It was a time when only the dead smiled, happy in their peace.
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The people that once bestowed commands, consulships, legions, and all else, now concerns itself no more, and longs eagerly for just two things: bread and circuses!
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