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
War is war. The only good human being is a dead one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests a cynical view of humanity, implying that in the context of war, the only truly good person is one who is no longer alive.
George Orwell's quote reflects a bleak perspective on human nature, particularly in the face of war. It conveys the idea that the morality of individuals becomes questionable in violent conflicts, and that the chaos and destruction of war can lead to the belief that death is preferable to the atrocities that occur during such times. The starkness of the statement resonates with Orwell's overall critique of society and human behavior.
Themes
WarHumanityDeathMoralityConflict
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the impacts of war on society, this quote can highlight the darker aspects of human nature.
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.
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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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