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