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
You asked me once,' said O'Brien, 'what was in Room 101. I told you that you knew the answer already. Everyone knows it. The thing that is in Room 101 is the worst thing in the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Room 101 symbolizes our deepest fears and the concept that everyone has something they dread the most.
In this quote from George Orwell's '1984', O'Brien reveals that Room 101 contains the greatest fear of each individual. It speaks to the universal truth that every person has a unique fear that can be manipulated against them, highlighting the power of fear in controlling emotions and behaviors. This reflection on inner dread also serves as a commentary on the human condition and the psychological struggles we all face.
Themes
FearRoom 101DreadPsychologyControl
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about facing personal fears during a motivational speech.
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.
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
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