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
Under the spreading chestnut tree I sold you and you sold me--
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the complexities of trade and mutual exchange in relationships.
George Orwell's quote highlights the nature of transactions between individuals, suggesting that relationships often involve reciprocal exchanges where both parties hold onto and give away parts of themselves. The imagery of the 'spreading chestnut tree' symbolizes a place of shelter or community where such exchanges occur, ultimately hinting at the underlying trust and vulnerability involved in human connections.
Themes
ExchangeRelationshipsTrustTransactionsCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used to reflect on business relationships during a negotiation.
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.
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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