Asia Quote by George Orwell
“A hierarchical society is only possible on the basis of poverty and ignorance, this new version is the past and no different past can ever have existed. In principle the war effort is always planned to keep society on the brink of starvation. The war is waged by the ruling group against its own subjects and its object is not the victory over either Eurasia or East Asia but to keep the very structure of society intact.”
About This Quote
The passage critiques hierarchical societies, claiming they rely on systemic poverty and ignorance, and that wars are orchestrated by elites to maintain social structures rather than achieve geopolitical victory.
In simple terms: Hierarchies survive on poverty; wars preserve them.
Key Takeaway
War as a tool for elite social control.
Themes
politics
economics
war
class
Mood
critical
cynical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Cold War propaganda
- colonial exploitation
- modern authoritarian regimes
Key Concepts
marxist theory
state power
Practical Applications
- policy analysis
- activist organizing
Questions to Reflect On
- How do economic disparities fuel conflict?
- Can genuine democratic societies avoid hierarchical exploitation?
A Different Perspective
Not all wars are solely orchestrated by ruling classes; some arise from genuine security threats or nationalist movements.
