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
That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The rifle symbolizes the protection of democracy and the responsibility of the people to safeguard it.
In this quote, George Orwell emphasizes the importance of democracy in society, suggesting that even a simple rifle can represent the power of the people to defend their freedom. The presence of the rifle in a working-class home signifies that democracy is not merely an abstract concept, but a tangible responsibility that must be upheld by every citizen to ensure its survival.
Themes
DemocracyResponsibilityFreedomProtectionSymbol
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civic duty, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of vigilance in democracy.
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.
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.
George OrwellRead
Not to expose your true feelings to an adult seems to be instinctive from the age of seven or eight onwards.
George OrwellRead
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.
George OrwellRead
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How prone all human institutions have been to decay; how subject the best-formed and most wisely organized governments have been to lose their check and totally dissolve; how difficult it has been for mankind, in all ages and countries, to preserve their dearest rights and best privileges, impelled as it were by an irresistible fate of despotism.
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It was both odd and unjust, a real example of pitiful arbitrariness of existance, that you were born into a particular time & held prisoner there whether you wanted it or not. It gave you an indecent advantage over the past and made you a clown vis-a-vis the future.
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I'm very emotional; I think I may go mad in several years' time.
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