“The atmosphere of orthodoxy is always damaging to prose, and above all it is completely ruinous to the novel, the most anarchical of all forms of literature.”
- June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950
- Born in India during the British colonial period
- Author, journalist
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Quote
“The atmosphere of orthodoxy is always damaging to prose, and above all it is completely ruinous to the novel, the most anarchical of all forms of literature.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell critiques the stifling effects of orthodoxy—rigid, established doctrines or norms—on creativity, particularly in writing. Orthodoxy represents a constraint on free thought, limiting expression and originality, which Orwell views as essential to the novel form. The novel, he argues, is inherently anarchical, meaning it thrives on challenging conventions and presenting diverse viewpoints. By restricting this freedom, orthodoxy harms the core of what makes novels dynamic and revolutionary.
Historically, Orwell himself was deeply affected by totalitarianism and political dogma, which often sought to suppress dissenting voices. His experiences, especially during his time in the Spanish Civil War and his opposition to oppressive regimes, reinforced his belief in freedom of thought. Orwell’s works, particularly 1984 and Animal Farm, explore how ideologies can corrupt societies, making this quote a direct reflection of his anti-authoritarian stance. His writing often championed individual autonomy against the pressures of conformity and ideological control.
In modern times, this message remains highly relevant. In an age where censorship, political correctness, and social pressures often dictate what is considered acceptable, Orwell’s warning against orthodoxy is a call for preserving creative and intellectual freedom. Today, we see the rise of censorship in various forms—be it through government restrictions or the influence of social media algorithms and corporate interests. Just like Orwell warned, such pressures threaten the vitality and integrity of literature, art, and free expression in general.
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