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
From where Winston stood it was just possible to read, picked out on its white face in elegant lettering, the three slogans of the Party:_x000D_ _x000D_ WAR IS PEACE_x000D_ _x000D_ FREEDOM IS SLAVERY_x000D_ _x000D_ IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The slogans illustrate the contradictory nature of the Party's propaganda, highlighting the manipulation of truth.
George Orwell's quote presents the paradoxical slogans of the Party in his dystopian novel '1984'. Each slogan represents a twisted form of reality where war is maintained to ensure peace, individual freedom is curtailed to achieve safety, and ignorance is exalted as a source of strength. These slogans reflect how totalitarian regimes use language to distort facts and control public perception, prompting readers to question the nature of truth and reality in society.
Themes
PropagandaTruthContradictionSocietyControl
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about totalitarianism and its impact on society.
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
We do pray for mercy, and that same prayer doth teach us all to render the deeds of mercy.
William ShakespeareRead
I've always argued that this country has benefited immensely from the fact that we draw people from all over the world.
Alan GreenspanRead
The priest is not made. He must be born a priest; must inherit his office. I refer to the new birth-the birth of water and the Spirit. Thus all Christians must became priests, children of God and co-heirs with Christ the Most High Priest.
Martin LutherRead
When there is hallucination, there is the truth, by recognising it as hallucination. Where there is suffering, there is peace and bliss, by letting go and experiencing it for numberless suffering sentient beings. Always think of how others are kind and precious Treat them as you would like to be treated.
Thubten Zopa RinpocheRead
These, then, are the two points I wanted to make. First, that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we live in.
C. S. LewisRead
Holiness is a disposition of the heart that makes us humble and little in the arms of God, aware of our weakness, and confident - in the most audacious way - in His Fatherly goodness.
Therese Of LisieuxRead