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
A tragic situation exists precisely when virtue does not triumph but when it is still felt that man is nobler than the forces which destroy him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the struggle between human dignity and destructive forces, suggesting that even in tragedy, humanity's nobility is acknowledged.
George Orwell highlights the tragic nature of human existence, where despite facing overwhelming forces that seek to destroy individual virtue and nobility, there persists a belief in the inherent greatness of humanity. This tension showcases the complexity of moral existence, suggesting that even in dire circumstances, the acknowledgement of human nobility offers a glimmer of hope and purpose.
Themes
TragedyVirtueHumanityNobilityDestruction
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about resilience after disasters.
More from George Orwell
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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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