The quote “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others” comes from George Orwell’s Animal Farm and is a brilliant example of how language can be manipulated to justify inequality and oppression.
In the context of Animal Farm, this line reflects the betrayal of the original ideals of the animal revolution. Initially, the animals rise up believing that they should all be treated equally, free from the tyranny of humans. Their guiding principle, “All animals are equal,” represents this vision of equality and fairness. However, as the pigs—who lead the revolution—gain power, they twist this ideal to maintain their privileged position.
When the pigs declare that “some are more equal than others,” they use paradoxical language to justify their newfound authority and the exploitation of the other animals. It becomes a way to convince the farm that while they may claim equality exists, certain individuals (the pigs, in this case) deserve special privileges due to their leadership roles.
This quote critiques how power can corrupt even the noblest of causes. Orwell uses it to reflect how totalitarian regimes (like the Soviet Union, which he critiqued through the allegory) often manipulate ideas of equality and justice to maintain control, favouring the ruling class while oppressing others.
In essence, the quote demonstrates how those in power can warp the very ideals that brought them to power to justify inequality, oppression, and control.