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 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
What we call truths are just those errors that we cannot give up.
Friedrich NietzscheRead
I have never known what is Arabic or English, or which one was really mine beyond any doubt. What I do know, however, is that the two have always been together in my life, one resonating in the other, sometimes ironically, sometimes nostalgically, most often each correcting, and commenting on, the other. Each can seem like my absolutely first language, but neither is.
Edward SaidRead
To be a Christian is a standing, a legal position. It means to be a child of God. You are or you are not, there is no try.
Timothy KellerRead
There are two sets of principles. They are the principles of power and privilege and the principles of truth and justice. If you pursue truth and justice it will always mean a diminution of power and privilege. If you pursue power and privilege, it will always be at the expense of truth and justice
Chris HedgesRead
...when food is shared in a fair way, with solidarity, when no one is deprived, every community can meet the needs of the poorest. Human ecology and environmental ecology walk together.
Pope FrancisRead
Chess never has been and never can be aught but a recreation. It should not be indulged in to the detriment of other and more serious avocations - should not absorb or engross the thoughts of those who worship at its shrine, but should be kept in the background, and restrained within its proper province. As a mere game, a relaxation from the severe pursuits of life, it is deserving of high commendation.
Paul MorphyRead