QuoteProject
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.
George Orwell
ShareWTF𝕏

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

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
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.
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

One of the things that makes Wittgenstein a real artist to me is that he realized that no conclusion could be more horrible than solipsism.
David Foster WallaceRead
None of us is alone in this world; each of us is a vital piece of the great mosaic of humanity as a whole.
Pope John Paul IiRead
Man has two great spiritual needs. One is for forgiveness. The other is for goodness.
Billy GrahamRead
I certainly believe that we have a moral obligation to care for the dogs, cats, and other nonhumans whose existence we have caused or facilitated as part of the institution of 'pet' ownership. But I maintain that we ought to abolish the institution and stop causing or facilitating the existence of more 'companion' animals.
Gary L. FrancioneRead
Propaganda does not deceive people; it merely helps them to deceive themselves.
Eric HofferRead
If then, said I, the question is put to me would I rather have a miserable ape for a grandfather or a man highly endowed by nature and possessing great means and influence and yet who employs those faculties for the mere purpose of introducing ridicule into a grave scientific discussion-I unhesitatingly affirm my preference for the ape.
Thomas HuxleyRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.