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
They were governed by private loyalties which they did not question. What mattered were individual relationships, and a completely helpless gesture, an embrace, a tear, a word spoken to a dying man, could have value in itself
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the importance of personal bonds and unspoken connections in human interactions.
In this quote, George Orwell emphasizes that the essence of human relationships lies in the loyalty and emotional bonds we share with others, even when they aren't defined by societal norms. He suggests that small, personal gestures, such as an embrace or a word of comfort, hold intrinsic value and meaning, reflecting the depth of our connections with one another amidst the complexities of life.
Themes
RelationshipsLoyaltiesEmotionsConnectionsHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
During a heartfelt moment at a memorial service, this quote could be shared to emphasize the importance of human connection.
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.
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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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