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 aim of a joke is not to degrade the human being, but to remind him that he is already degraded.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Jokes should be used to highlight human flaws rather than to belittle individuals.
George Orwell's quote suggests that the purpose of humor is not to insult or demean people's dignity but rather to draw attention to the inherent shortcomings and absurdities of the human condition. Through laughter, we can confront our own degradations and flaws, perhaps leading to deeper understanding and acceptance of our shared humanity.
Themes
JokeHumorDegradationHumanitySelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
In a comedy show, a comedian might reference this quote to explain the deeper purpose behind their jokes.
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.
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
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