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
Reality exists in the human mind, and nowhere else. Not in the individual mind, which can make mistakes, and in any case soon perishes: only in the mind of the Party, which is collective and immortal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reality is shaped by collective perceptions rather than individual thoughts.
In this quote, George Orwell suggests that 'reality' is not an objective concept but rather a construct of the collective consciousness, particularly highlighting the influence of institutions like a political party. He emphasizes that while individual perceptions may distort reality and are fleeting, the shared beliefs of a group can create a more enduring and powerful version of reality that shapes societal norms and truths.
Themes
RealityCollectiveMindPerceptionParty
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the influence of political propaganda on society.
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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