There is no crime, absolutely none, that cannot be condoned when 'our' side commits it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Orwell states that crimes are excused if committed by one's own group.
- In plain terms
- Our side is forgiven for crimes others are not.
- What can you take from it?
- Loyalty often excuses moral failures within one's group.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does loyalty become blind?
- Should all crimes be judged equally?
Another view
Some acts are universally condemned regardless of side.
More from George Orwell
It is, I think, true to say that the intelligentsia have been more wrong about the progress of the war than the common people, and that they were more swayed b…
Permalink to quote #109 In our age there is no such thing as 'keeping out of politics.'
Permalink to quote #111 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. Here are just …
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