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
I think I exist,' he said wearily. 'I am conscious of my own identity. I was born, and I shall die. I have arms and legs. I occupy a particular point in space. No other solid object can occupy the same point simultaneously.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote explores the nature of existence and self-identity.
In this quote, George Orwell reflects on the fundamental aspects of existence and self-awareness. The speaker conveys a sense of weariness in acknowledging their own identity and mortality, emphasizing that their physical presence is unique and separate from all other entities. This contemplation raises deeper questions about what it means to truly exist and the relationship between self and reality.
Themes
ExistenceIdentitySelf-AwarenessPhilosophyMortality
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a philosophy class discussion about the nature of existence.
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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