George Orwell: 'It is also true that one can write nothing readable unless one constantly struggles to efface one's own personality. Good prose is like a windowpane.'

It is also true that one can write nothing readable unless one constantly struggles to efface one's own personality. Good prose is like a windowpane.

In his quote, George Orwell highlights the significance of removing one's personal biases and distractions in order to create readable and compelling written works. He suggests that good prose should serve as a clear and transparent medium for conveying ideas, much like a windowpane through which one sees the world. This notion of effacing one's own personality for the sake of effective communication is indeed a crucial aspect of writing. However, to add intrigue to this discussion, let us explore the concept of "perspective" and how it intertwines with the idea of transparent prose.Perspective, at its core, refers to an individual's particular way of perceiving and interpreting reality. Every person possesses a unique perspective influenced by their experiences, beliefs, and cultural background. These perspectives shape their understanding of the world and subsequently affect their writing style. However, Orwell's quote invites us to question whether allowing our perspectives to heavily influence our writing inhibits our ability to produce relatable and comprehensible prose.Effacing one's personality does not imply suppressing one's thoughts, ideas, or opinions. Instead, it suggests temporarily setting them aside to avoid clouding the clarity of the message being conveyed. By distancing ourselves from our personal biases, we can craft written works that are accessible and meaningful to a wider audience. Transparent prose, like a windowpane, does not impose itself between the reader and the writer's intended meaning; it serves as a medium through which ideas can flow unobstructed.This notion of transparent prose brings to mind the works of the existential philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche argued that individuals' perspectives are inherently subjective and shaped by their particular contexts. He believed that embracing this subjectivity and understanding the limitations of one's perspective is essential for clear and genuine communication. In his essay "On Truth and Lie in an Extra-Moral Sense," Nietzsche even suggests that language itself is a system of metaphors and symbols disconnected from any absolute truth. From this perspective, transparent prose becomes a means of acknowledging the inherent subjectivity and limitations of language while still striving for effective communication.We can draw an interesting parallel between Orwell's emphasis on transparent prose and Nietzsche's focus on acknowledging the subjectivity of language. Both perspectives highlight the importance of transcending personal biases to communicate effectively. While Orwell's quote primarily focuses on the writer's responsibility to efface their personality in order to produce readable works, Nietzsche expands this notion to encompass the reader's responsibility as well.From this unexpected philosophical lens, we see that transparent prose becomes a collaborative endeavor between the writer and the reader. The writer seeks to convey their ideas clearly, while the reader approaches the text with an open mind, aware of their own perspective's limitations. In this mutual understanding, transparent prose becomes a powerful tool for bridging the gaps in communication and fostering meaningful connections between individuals.In conclusion, George Orwell's quote reminds us of the importance of removing personal biases and distractions to create readable and engaging written works. Transparent prose serves as a medium through which ideas can flow effortlessly, much like a windowpane providing a clear view. However, when considered in the context of philosophical concepts like Nietzsche's idea of subjectivity, Orwell's quote takes on a new dimension. It encourages both the writer and the reader to acknowledge the limitations and biases inherent in communication, fostering a collaborative effort to overcome these obstacles. By embracing transparent prose and recognizing the interconnectedness of perspectives, we can forge a path towards more effective and meaningful communication.