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
Pacifism is objectively pro-fascist. This is elementary common sense. If you hamper the war effort of one side, you automatically help out that of the other. Nor is there any real way of remaining outside such a war as the present one. In practice, 'he that is not with me is against me'.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote argues that neutrality in a conflict can inadvertently support one side, particularly in the context of war.
George Orwell's statement suggests that pacifism, or the refusal to take sides in a conflict, can ultimately bolster fascistic forces by weakening the opposition. In an ideological struggle, standing apart from one side equates to aiding the other, highlighting the moral complexities of war where inaction can have severe consequences. The quote implies that choosing not to engage can be interpreted as choosing a side, especially in dire situations like warfare.
Themes
PacifismWarNeutralityFascismEngagementMorality
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a debate about the responsibilities of individuals during times of political turmoil.
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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