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Ballast Quote by George Orwell

“Ignorance and prejudice are the ballast of our ship of state - however, ships without ballast are not seaworthy and cannot sail in the tempests, nor reach a safe harbor.” quote by George Orwell
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“Ignorance and prejudice are the ballast of our ship of state - however, ships without ballast are not seaworthy and cannot sail in the tempests, nor reach a safe harbor.”

George Orwell

About This Quote

Source Speech: Unknown political essay, 20th century

Prejudice and ignorance destabilize governance; some ballast (order) is needed for a state to navigate crises.

In simple terms: Ignorance weakens government; some structure is needed.

Key Takeaway

Balance knowledge with order.

Themes

politics governance prejudice

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • legislative debates
  • public policy formation
  • crisis management

Key Concepts

social stability decision making

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we distinguish necessary order from oppressive control?
  • What risks arise when we remove all constraints?
A Different Perspective

Too much ballast can stifle freedom and innovation.

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