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
If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out
Interpretation
What this quote means
Clarity in communication is essential; less is often more.
George Orwell's quote emphasizes the importance of brevity in writing and speech. By advocating for the elimination of unnecessary words, he suggests that effective communication should be clear and to the point, as this enhances understanding and impact.
Themes
ClarityBrevityCommunicationWriting
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, to encourage students to edit their drafts for conciseness.
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.
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.
George OrwellRead
It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
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