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Comrades!' he cried. 'You do not imagine, I hope, that we…

“Comrades!' he cried. 'You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole object in taking these things is to preserve our health. Milk and apples (this has been proved by…” quote by George Orwell
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“Comrades!' he cried. 'You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole object in taking these things is to preserve our health. Milk and apples (this has been proved by Science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pig. We pigs are brainworkers. The whole management and organisation of this farm depend on us. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for your sake that we drink the milk and eat those apples.”

George Orwell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker argues that pigs act selflessly, claiming their consumption of milk and apples is for the benefit of others, not personal gain.

In simple terms: Pigs claim they eat for others’ health.

Key Takeaway

Question motives behind actions.

Themes

selfishness responsibility health leadership

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

political allegorical

When to use this quote

  • farm management
  • nutritional policy
  • ethical justification
  • public health
  • resource allocation

Key Concepts

altruism social contract animal allegory

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is self‑sacrifice always noble?
  • How do we verify true motives?
A Different Perspective

The claim of selflessness may mask power dynamics and exploitation.

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