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
What was happening was only the working-out of a process that had started years ago. The first step had been a secret, involuntary thought, the second had been the opening of the diary. He had moved from thoughts to words, and now from words to actions. The last step was something that would happen in the Ministry of Love. He had accepted it. The end was contained in the beginning.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote illustrates the progression of thoughts into actions over time, emphasizing how initial ideas can lead to significant outcomes.
George Orwell's quote reflects on the inevitability of consequences that stem from seemingly simple beginnings. It highlights the process of transformation where a mere thought evolves into a tangible action, ultimately leading to a predetermined end. By illustrating this progression, Orwell suggests that the seeds of our actions are often planted long before they fully manifest, reinforcing the idea that our futures are shaped by our past reflections and decisions.
Themes
ProcessThoughtsActionsConsequencesFutureTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the importance of planning future actions during a motivational speech.
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.
George OrwellRead
It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
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