He is also one of the most well known and studied creators throughout Canadian schools. Novels such as 1984 and Animal Farm are go-to titles for English studies, and many of his concepts and phrases, with examples like Big Brother and doublespeak, have become part of everyday language. His outspoken socialist ideas, as well as his blatant anti-totalitarian beliefs, created master stories that have spanned the test of time.
We have gathered a list of some of Orwell's most poignant and powerful quotes on a variety of topics. Covering everything from power politics to love, Orwell’s satirical style and hard-hitting beliefs have left a wide range of quotable words that are sure to resonate with listeners.
Quotes on Freedom
Many dystopian audiobooks and stories that are rooted in satire have a great deal to say about freedom. Often characters are fighting with issues of oppression, or government surveillance. This idea is found often in Orwell’s works, and as such, he has a lot to say about what it means to be free. Here, we’ve gathered some of our favourite passages on the subject.
1.“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” -
2.“We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness.” -
3.“Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimetres inside your skull.” -
4.“To die hating them, that was freedom.” -
5.“No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?” -
6.“If you can feel that staying human is worthwhile, even when it can't have any result whatever, you've beaten them.” -
7.“If you kept the small rules, you could break the big ones.” -
8.“Can you not understand that liberty is worth more than just ribbons?” -
Quotes About Power and Politics
George Orwell was a known socialist, whose literary works and stories dealt with ideas of power and politics. Both 1984 and Animal Farm challenge ideas of power and its constructs in society. Orwell’s dislike for fierce rule and totalitarian societies comes through in almost every word, and every chapter. Check out these quotes about power and politics that are sure to bring out the inner activist in any listener.
9.“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” -
10.“War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” -
11.“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.” -
