Fair play Quote by George Orwell
““Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence. In other words, it is war minus the shooting. (in "The Sporting Spirit", Tribune, GB, London, December 1945)””
About This Quote
Source Article: "The Sporting Spirit", Tribune, GB, London, December 1945
Sport can become a proxy for aggression, where competition replaces fair play with hostility and cruelty.
In simple terms: Sport may turn into violent rivalry.
Recognize and curb aggression in competition.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- team sports
- spectator culture
- media commentary
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does competitive pressure foster hostility?
- What safeguards can preserve fair play?
Even in sport, rules and sportsmanship can be eroded by deeper social tensions.