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Close mindedness Quote by George Orwell

“Old Porteous’s mind, I thought, probably stopped working at about the time of the Russo-Japanese war. And it’s a ghastly thing that nearly all the decent people, the people who don’t want to go round smashing faces in with spanners, are like that. They’re decent, but their minds have stopped. They…” quote by George Orwell
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““Old Porteous’s mind, I thought, probably stopped working at about the time of the Russo-Japanese war. And it’s a ghastly thing that nearly all the decent people, the people who don’t want to go round smashing faces in with spanners, are like that. They’re decent, but their minds have stopped. They can’t defend themselves against what’s coming to them, because they can’t see it, even when it’s under their noses.””

George Orwell

About This Quote

Source Novel: Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, 1949

People can become complacent and unaware of looming threats when they stop thinking critically.

In simple terms: Decent people may lose awareness and fail to protect themselves.

Key Takeaway

Stay vigilant and keep questioning.

Themes

complacency awareness critical thinking

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

observational critical

When to use this quote

  • workplace politics
  • personal relationships
  • media consumption
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

psychology social decay political apathy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure you remain aware of hidden risks?
  • What habits keep your mind active?
A Different Perspective

Blindness to danger can be reinforced by comfort and routine.

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