“Many people genuinely do not want to be saints, and it is probable that some who achieve or aspire to sainthood have never felt much temptation to be human beings.”
- 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
“Many people genuinely do not want to be saints, and it is probable that some who achieve or aspire to sainthood have never felt much temptation to be human beings.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell explores the idea that sainthood, or the pursuit of extreme moral or spiritual perfection, can often be disconnected from the true complexities of human nature. Orwell suggests that many people simply do not aspire to the lofty ideal of sainthood, as it may demand sacrifices that go against human instincts, desires, or imperfections. On the other hand, he also observes that some individuals who do aspire to or achieve sainthood may do so not out of genuine compassion or understanding of human struggle, but because they have never truly experienced the temptations or flaws that define human existence. These individuals, according to Orwell, might not fully grasp the messiness and imperfection that make people human, as they may have lived lives insulated from the moral dilemmas and emotional conflicts that others face.
Orwell’s view here critiques the idea of moral absolutism or the pursuit of unattainable perfection. He believed that true humanity comes from the acceptance of imperfection and the ability to understand and empathize with the struggles of others. Orwell, who was often concerned with the dangers of idealism and utopian thinking, saw in sainthood a form of moral purity that could be disconnected from the real-world complexities of people’s lives. He valued realistic and pragmatic approaches to morality, where one does not try to escape human nature but seeks to understand and navigate it.
This quote is relevant in the modern context, especially in discussions about moral perfection or idealism. In an age where the pressure to be “perfect”—whether in terms of moral values, social conduct, or public image—is amplified, Orwell’s words remind us that true humanity lies in recognizing the complexity of our emotions, desires, and struggles, and in understanding that perfection is not achievable or even desirable. It speaks to the importance of empathy, humility, and self-acceptance in facing the moral challenges that life presents.
