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
Looking at the world as a whole, the drift for many decades has been not towards anarchy but towards the reimposition of slavery. We may be heading not for general breakdown but for an epoch as horribly stable as the slave empires of antiquity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that society may be moving towards a form of control reminiscent of historical slavery rather than experiencing chaos.
In this quote, George Orwell reflects on the state of the world, arguing that instead of descending into chaos or anarchy, society is instead reverting to a form of oppressive structure akin to slavery. He expresses concern that the future may not be marked by instability, but rather by a deceptive stability that restricts freedom and autonomy, drawing parallels to the slave empires of the past. This thought-provoking perspective invites readers to critically assess current societal trends and the potential dangers of complacency.
Themes
SlaveryControlSocietyFreedomOppressionHistoricalStability
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on civil liberties, this quote could be used to emphasize the importance of safeguarding freedoms.
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.
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
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Life is elsewhere. Cross frontiers. Fly away.
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