“All political thinking for years past has been vitiated in the same way. People can foresee the future only when it coincides with their own wishes, and the most grossly obvious facts can be ignored when they are unwelcome.”
- 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
“All political thinking for years past has been vitiated in the same way. People can foresee the future only when it coincides with their own wishes, and the most grossly obvious facts can be ignored when they are unwelcome.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell critiques the way people often distort political thinking by interpreting facts and events through the lens of their own biases or desires. He argues that individuals, particularly in the political realm, tend to see the future in a way that aligns with their hopes or interests, rather than facing the reality of the situation. This leads to a kind of wishful thinking where facts that challenge these desires are either ignored or denied. Orwell highlights the danger of this cognitive distortion, suggesting that political thought becomes deeply flawed and short-sighted when people refuse to accept unpleasant truths simply because they contradict their preconceived notions or political agendas.
Orwell’s concern with the way ideology can shape perception is rooted in his experiences with both totalitarianism and ideological extremism. In works like 1984, he explores how regimes manipulate truth and history to fit their political goals, forcing citizens to accept a version of reality that is at odds with objective facts. He also saw this tendency in the political left and right, where people often ignore uncomfortable truths that challenge their beliefs. Orwell himself was wary of ideological purity, recognizing that it often leads to self-deception and the perpetuation of falsehoods.
This idea remains highly relevant today, especially in the age of partisan politics and polarized media. In a world where information is often tailored to fit specific narratives, people may ignore facts that contradict their worldview or political stance. Whether in political debates, media reporting, or social media discourse, individuals often gravitate toward information that confirms their existing beliefs and dismiss or distort facts that are inconvenient. Orwell’s quote serves as a cautionary reminder of the perils of ideological thinking, urging us to confront unwelcome truths and strive for a more objective understanding of the world, particularly in political matters.
