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They had decided that BO and halitosis were worked out, or…

“They had decided that BO and halitosis were worked out, or nearly, and had been racking their brains for a long time to think of some new way of scaring the public. Then some bright spark had suggested, What about smelling feet? That field had never been exploited and had immense possibilities.” quote by George Orwell
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““They had decided that BO and halitosis were worked out, or nearly, and had been racking their brains for a long time to think of some new way of scaring the public. Then some bright spark had suggested, What about smelling feet? That field had never been exploited and had immense possibilities.””

George Orwell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Innovative fear tactics can exploit neglected senses, like smell, to manipulate public anxiety.

In simple terms: New fear methods use unexpected senses.

Key Takeaway

Consider unconventional threats in security planning.

Themes

psychology fear public manipulation innovation

Mood

cautionary analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • advertising
  • public safety
  • political campaigns
  • product design

Key Concepts

scent marketing behavioral control security studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the limits of fear-based persuasion?
  • How can societies guard against novel threats?
A Different Perspective

May be ethically questionable.

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