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
This work was strictly voluntary, but any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced by half.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the coercion disguised as voluntary work, showing the manipulation of choices by authority.
In this quote, George Orwell presents a situation where the concept of voluntary work is undermined by the threat of consequences for non-participation. It illustrates how those in power can create a facade of freedom while enforcing compliance, suggesting that what appears to be a choice can often be a coerced decision driven by fear of repercussions.
Themes
VoluntaryCoercionAuthorityFreedomManipulation
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on workplace incentives, this quote could illustrate the dangers of coercive policies.
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
Similar quotes
All severity that does not tend to increase good, or prevent evil, is idle.
Samuel JohnsonRead
I believe that all is illusion and vanity outside the treasure of truths slowly accumulated, and which will never again be lost. I believe that the sum of these truths, always increasing, will at last confer on man incalculable power and peace, if not happiness. Yes, I believe in the final triumph of life.
Emile ZolaRead
Awareness isnβt something we own; awareness isnβt something we possess. Awareness is actually what we are.
AdyashantiRead
What would life be like if everybody insisted you must have actually built such-and-such a thing by yourself? I'd be an old man and have nothing to show for the aging.
Ludwig Mies Van Der RoheRead
The body is a boat that carries the soul in the ocean of the world. If it is not strong, or it has a hole, then it cannot cross the ocean, so the first duty is to fix the boat.
Baba Hari DassRead
To find a cause that's larger than yourself and then to give your life to it.
Shimon PeresRead