QuoteProject
...men can only be highly civilized while other men, inevitably less civilized, are there to guard and feed them.
George Orwell
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Civilization relies on a hierarchy where some people support others, often at their own expense.

In this quote, George Orwell suggests that the advancement of civilization and the comforts it brings are often dependent on the existence of inequality. The 'highly civilized' individuals may attain their status and comfort through the labor and support of others who are less privileged. This dynamic raises questions about social justice and the ethical implications of societal structures.

Themes

CivilizationInequalitySocietySupportJustice

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about social justice reforms.

More from George Orwell

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 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

God Most High has said, "Is the reward of virtue aught save virtue?" . . . Know, O man, that the covenant of servanthood is incumbent upon you, and that the covenant of Lordship is incumbent upon His magnanimity, as He Most High has said, ". . . and fulfill your covenant, I shall fulfill My covenant."
Ibn Ata AllahRead
Are we not all shipwrecked,...condemned to death?... However impatient our neighbours make us, however much indignation our race arouses, we are all bound together, and the companions of a chain-gang have everything to lose by mutual insults.
Henri Frederic AmielRead
The straight line, a respectable optical illusion which ruins many a man.
Victor HugoRead
The magistrates are the ministers for the laws, the judges their interpreters, the rest of us are servants of the law, that we all may be free.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Remember that you are in actor in a play of such a kind that the author chooses...For this is your duty, to act well the part that is given to you; but to select the part belongs to another.
EpictetusRead
No one that encounters prosperity does not also encounter danger.
HeraclitusRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.