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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Political writing is often formulaic due to self-censorship and lacks genuine thought.
In this quote, George Orwell critiques the state of political writing in his time, suggesting that it has devolved into a rigid collection of clichés and pre-formulated expressions. He argues that true clarity and strength in writing require fearless thinking, which challenges the conventional political norms and orthodoxy that often stifle honest communication.
Themes
PoliticsWritingSelf-CensorshipLanguageTruth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of authenticity in journalism.
More from George Orwell
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As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.
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I sometimes think that the price of liberty is not so much eternal vigilance as eternal dirt.
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