To know and not to know, to be conscious of complete…
“To know and not to know, to be conscious of complete truthfulness while telling carefully constructed lies, to hold simultaneously two opinions which cancelled out, knowing them to be contradictory and believing in both of them, to use logic against logic, to repudiate morality while laying claim to it, to believe that democracy was impossible and that the Party was the guardian of democracy …”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote describes the paradox of holding contradictory beliefs and using deceptive logic while claiming moral authority, reflecting totalitarian doublethink.
In simple terms: Holding opposite ideas while pretending truthfulness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge self‑contradiction.
Themes
politics
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- personal decision making
- media analysis
Key Concepts
doublethink
cognitive dissonance
authoritarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile conflicting beliefs?
- What safeguards prevent self‑deception?
A Different Perspective
Such contradictions can erode trust and rational debate.