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 object of terrorism is terrorism. The object of oppression is oppression. The object of torture is torture. The object of murder is murder. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the self-perpetuating nature of violence and power struggles.
In this profound quote, George Orwell expresses the cyclical and often senseless nature of oppressive actions such as terrorism, oppression, torture, and murder. He suggests that these acts are not means to an end but rather ends in themselves, reflecting a systemic pursuit of power that distorts the original intent behind resistance or rebellion, urging the reader to grasp the deeper implications of such behaviors in society.
Themes
TerrorismOppressionPowerViolenceUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civil rights, one might reference Orwell's quote to illustrate the futility of violent resistance.
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.
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
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