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 →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.
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It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
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