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
Today there were fear, hatred, and pain, but no dignity of emotion, no deep or complex sorrows.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the absence of genuine emotional depth in the face of negativity.
In this quote, George Orwell observes a situation characterized by fear, hatred, and pain, but notes that these feelings lack the dignity associated with true emotional experiences. He suggests that while negative feelings may be prevalent, they do not embody the complexity and richness that typically characterize profound sorrow or human experience, highlighting a disconnect between surface-level emotions and deeper truths.
Themes
EmotionFearPainComplexitySorrow
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the emotional impact of war and conflict, this quote can emphasize the lack of meaningful emotional engagement.
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.
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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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