Animal Farm Quotes

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Source: Animal Farm

Author: George Orwell

"Man serves the interests of no creature except himself."

And remember, comrades, your resolution must never falter. No argument must lead you astray. Never listen when they tell you that Man and the animals have a common interest, that the prosperity of the one is the prosperity of the others. It is all lies. Man serves the interests of no creature except himself. And among us animals let there be perfect unity, perfect comradeship in the struggle. All men are enemies. All animals are comrades.

Context

This line is from the novel Animal Farm (1945) by George Orwell.

In the first scene of Animal Farm, Old Major (the pig in charge) tells the other animals in the barn of his vision for a human-free utopia. Animals must rise up and throw off the yolk of their oppressor—man.

Major emphasizes that humans can't be trusted. After all, they only care about themselves, so animals need to do the same. Humans and animals can never be friends. Harsh words for harsh masters.

After that, the animals form their own furry utopian society and everything is awesome forever. Well, not exactly. Did you really believe that? You'll have to read the book.

Where you've heard it

This is a tough view of humanity, but it's also pretty true. You might hear people dropping this quote when talking about the sad state of oppressions—both the animal and human kind.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

This one probably depends on location. Tell this to a roomful of humans and you'll see some knowing nods. But, start trying to inspire your cat to rise up and you'll likely just get a bored yawn.