“Nationalism is power hunger tempered by self-deception.”
- June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950
- Born in India during the British colonial period
- Author, journalist
- Through his representative works “1984” and “Animal Farm,” he presented sharp criticism of totalitarianism and the abuse of power, greatly influencing contemporary literature and thought.
Quote
“Nationalism is power hunger tempered by self-deception.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell critiques nationalism as a complex force driven by a combination of ambition and delusion. Orwell suggests that at its core, nationalism is a desire for power—whether it be political, economic, or cultural dominance. However, this hunger for power is often tempered or mitigated by a self-deceptive belief that the nation or group is inherently superior, virtuous, or in some way justified in its pursuit of power. Nationalism, in Orwell’s view, allows individuals to rationalize and justify actions that might otherwise be seen as aggressive or oppressive, by cloaking them in a sense of national pride or moral righteousness.
Orwell’s experiences with political ideologies and totalitarian regimes shaped his understanding of nationalism’s dangers. He saw how nationalism could be manipulated by authoritarian governments to rally the masses and foster war, oppression, and xenophobia. In his works like 1984 and Animal Farm, Orwell illustrates how nationalistic ideologies are often used to control and exploit people, masking the true motivations of those in power. For Orwell, nationalism is a tool of self-deception because it encourages individuals to believe in an idealized version of their nation, blinding them to its flaws and injustices.
This idea remains significant today as nationalism resurges in many parts of the world. Nationalist rhetoric often presents a simplified and idealized view of the nation, emphasizing unity and pride while ignoring or minimizing the inequalities or injustices within society. In times of political or economic instability, nationalist movements can exploit this self-deception to foster division, promote isolationism, and justify actions that may be harmful to others. Orwell’s quote serves as a cautionary reminder that nationalism, while seemingly a force for unity, can also serve to mask the true power dynamics at play, making it easier for people to overlook the negative consequences of pursuing national power at the expense of others.
