"Nationalism is power hunger tempered by self-deception"
- George Orwell
About this Quote
This quote by George Orwell recommends that nationalism is a kind of power cravings, but it is also a kind of self-deception. Nationalism is a belief in the superiority of one's own nation as well as a wish to advertise its passions and culture. It can be a powerful pressure, however it can also be a form of self-deception, as it can bring about an incorrect sense of supremacy and a lack of understanding of various other cultures. Nationalism can bring about a feeling of privilege as well as a disregard for the rights of others. It can also bring about a feeling of prevalence as well as an absence of empathy for those who are different. Nationalism can be an effective pressure, yet it can additionally be a type of self-deception, as it can bring about an incorrect feeling of prevalence and also a lack of understanding of other societies.