You are right. A Google search for the quote, with or without the em dash, brings up nothing. It is not even misattributed.

Sorry I tried adding a click link onto the text but I failed miserably lol. I am new to substack I apologize! I find Orwell's English essay one of my favorites.

But is it actually an Orwell Quote? I am not trying to call you out - I am actually curious. Please share a source.

Thanks for linking to the essay. I just read it and really enjoyed it. I think I'll try to put the ideas into practice in my writing (and hope I'll succeed).