“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.”
- 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
“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell reflects on the self-perception of each generation and how it tends to view itself as superior, both in terms of intellect and wisdom, compared to both its predecessors and successors. Orwell highlights a common human tendency for people to believe that their time is marked by greater progress and understanding than previous or future eras. This generational arrogance often overlooks the complexity and continuity of human history, and the wisdom that may have been accumulated by earlier generations or that may yet be gained by those that follow. Orwell points to the hubris of each generation’s belief in its own unique superiority as an obstacle to deeper understanding and humility.
Orwell’s insight here can be connected to his broader critique of historical amnesia and the ways in which ideologies and political movements can cloud our understanding of the past. In his own work, Orwell saw how people in power often claimed to possess a greater moral or intellectual authority, manipulating historical narratives to serve their own ends. Whether in the context of totalitarianism, as seen in 1984, or in revolutionary movements, Orwell explored how each generation often frames itself as being more enlightened while overlooking the pitfalls of their own beliefs and actions.
This idea remains relevant today, as each new generation often believes it is more progressive or enlightened than the one before it. With the rise of technology, globalization, and social movements, younger generations may feel they are on the cutting edge of progress, while older generations may look back with nostalgia for perceived past values. However, both perspectives can miss the nuances and complexities of previous or future periods, failing to appreciate the continuities and lessons that can be drawn from history. Orwell’s quote serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and reflection, urging us to recognize that no generation has the monopoly on intelligence or wisdom.
