“ Nationalism is power hunger tempered by self-deception. ”
George Orwell, Notes on Nationalism (1945). copy citation
| Author | George Orwell |
|---|---|
| Source | Notes on Nationalism |
| Topic | nationalism hunger |
| Date | 1945 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | in "Polemic" |
| Note | |
| Weblink | https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/essays-and... |
Context
“The nationalist does not go on the principle of simply ganging up with the strongest side. On the contrary, having picked his side, he persuades himself that it is the strongest, and is able to stick to his belief even when the facts are overwhelmingly against him. Nationalism is power hunger tempered by self-deception. Every nationalist is capable of the most flagrant dishonesty, but he is also – since he is conscious of serving something bigger than himself – unshakeably certain of being in the right.
Now that I have given this lengthy definition, I think it will be admitted that the habit of mind I am talking about is widespread among the English intelligentsia, and more widespread there than among the mass of the people.”
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