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
I loathed the game, and since I could see no pleasure or usefulness in it, it was very difficult for me to show courage at it. Football, it seemed to me, is not really played for the pleasure of kicking a ball about, but is a species of fighting.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the idea that competitive activities like football may be more about conflict than enjoyment.
In this quote, George Orwell expresses his disdain for football by suggesting that it is not just a game, but rather a form of combat. He implies that the violence and competitiveness inherent in the sport overshadow its potential for joy and recreation, making it challenging for him to participate with enthusiasm or bravery.
Themes
FootballCourageCompetitionDisdainPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the nature of competition in sports, this quote could highlight a different perspective on athletic activities.
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
You don't need organized religion to connect with the universe. Often a church is the only place you can go to find peace and quiet... But it shouldn't be confused with connecting with one's spirit.
Alice WalkerRead
Somewhere in the archives of crudest instinct is recorded the truth that it is better to be endangered and free than captive and comfortable.
Tom RobbinsRead
If you're treated a certain way you become a certain kind of person. If certain things are described to you as being real they're real for you whether they're real or not.
James A. BaldwinRead
One open way of speaking introduces another open way of speaking, and draws out discoveries, like wine and love.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Nor does God whisper through the trees. His voice is not to be mistaken. When men hear it they fall to their knees and their souls are riven and they cry out to Him and there is no fear but only wildness of heart that springs from such longing.
Cormac MccarthyRead
Give a thing a name and it will somehow come to be.
George R. R. MartinRead