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
If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out
Interpretation
What this quote means
Clarity in communication is essential; less is often more.
George Orwell's quote emphasizes the importance of brevity in writing and speech. By advocating for the elimination of unnecessary words, he suggests that effective communication should be clear and to the point, as this enhances understanding and impact.
Themes
ClarityBrevityCommunicationWriting
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, to encourage students to edit their drafts for conciseness.
More from George Orwell
All quotes βThe 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
it provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance
William ShakespeareRead
The most dangerous of all behaviors may consist of doing things 'because we're supposed to.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
Having a million-dollar net worth doesn't make you a genius, and having less than a million-dollar net worth doesn't make you a fool.
Naval RavikantRead
But wise is the man who disdains no character, but with searching glance explores him to the root and cause of all.
Nikolai GogolRead
Meditation takes us just as we are, with our confusion and our sanity. This complete acceptance of ourselves as we are is called maitri, or unconditional friendliness, a simple, direct relationship with the way we are.
Pema ChodronRead
I am afraid that all the grace that I have got of my comfortable and easy times and happy hours, might almost lie on a penny. But the good that I have received from my sorrows, and pains, and griefs, is altogether incalculable β¦ Affliction is the best bit of furniture in my house. It is the best book in a ministerβs library.
Charles SpurgeonRead