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
It is impossible to found a civilization on fear and hatred and cruelty. It would never endure.' 'Why not?' 'It would have no vitality. It would disintegrate. It would commit suicide.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True civilization cannot be built on negative emotions such as fear and hatred.
In this quote, George Orwell emphasizes that a civilization built on fear, hatred, and cruelty lacks the essential qualities that allow it to thrive. Such a society's foundation is too weak and toxic for lasting vitality, ultimately leading to its own demise, or 'suicide.'
Themes
CivilizationFearHatredCrueltyVitality
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on social unity, I might say, 'As Orwell noted, civilizations cannot thrive on fear and hatred.'
More from George Orwell
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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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