This quote by George Orwell is a criticism of those who determine as liberal. He is recommending that those who call themselves liberal are hypocrites, as they declare to be versus power and authority, yet still look for to get power and authority on their own. He indicates that they are not genuinely liberal, however rather power-hungry individuals who are willing to do whatever it requires to acquire power. This quote is a tip that those who claim to be liberal ought to be held to the exact same requirements as those who are not, which they ought to not be allowed to use their political views as an excuse to acquire power. It is a pointer that real liberalism has to do with equality and justice, not power and control.
