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
The whole idea of revenge and punishment is a childish day-dream. Properly speaking, there is no such thing as revenge. Revenge is an act which you want to commit when you are powerless and because you are powerless: as soon as the sense of impotence is removed, the desire evaporates also.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Revenge is driven by feelings of powerlessness and ultimately lacks true significance.
In this quote, George Orwell expresses the notion that revenge stems from a state of helplessness; it is a naive response to feelings of inadequacy. When individuals feel empowered or find resolution through other means, the urge for revenge dissipates, revealing its inherent futility and childishness.
Themes
RevengePowerlessnessFutilityChildishPunishment
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about handling betrayal, one might say this quote to emphasize the irrationality of seeking revenge.
More from George Orwell
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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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