"The general uncertainty as to what is really happening makes it easier to cling to lunatic beliefs."

A biting state of the nation essay which reflects on patriotism, prejudice, and power.

In this essay, Orwell discusses the notion of nationalism and argues that it causes people to disregard common sense and become more ignorant towards factuality. Orwell shows his concern for the social state of Europe, and in a broader sense, the entire world, due to an increasing amount of influence of nationalistic sentiment occurring throughout a large number of countries.