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 party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command. His heart sank as he thought of the enormous power arrayed against him, the ease with which any Party intellectual would overthrow him in debate, the subtle arguments which he would not be able to understand, much less answer. And yet he was in the right! They were wrong and he was right.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the power of authority in shaping perception and the struggle for truth against manipulation.
In this quote by George Orwell, the protagonist grapples with the oppressive influence of the Party, which demands that individuals forsake their own observations and understanding in favor of imposed doctrines. This reflects a broader commentary on the dangers of authoritarianism, manipulation of truth, and the internal conflict experienced when one knows they are right despite overwhelming pressure to conform.
Themes
TruthAuthorityManipulationPerceptionConformity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of critical thinking, one could quote Orwell to highlight the dangers of ignoring evidence.
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.
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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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