Pacifism Quote by George Orwell
““All in all it is difficult not to feel that pacifism, as it appears among a section of the intelligentsia, is secretly inspired by an admiration for power and successful cruelty.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Politics and the English Language, 1946
Pacifism can hide a desire for power, masquerading as moral opposition to cruelty.
In simple terms: Some anti‑war stances may secretly seek control.
Key Takeaway
Scrutinize motives behind peace claims.
Themes
politics
morality
power
pacifism
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- activism
- peace movements
Key Concepts
ethical paradox
psychology of ideology
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence reveals hidden power motives?
- Can peace be truly disinterested?
A Different Perspective
Not all pacifist arguments are purely altruistic.
![“If [pacifists] imagine that one can somehow "overcome" the German army by lying on one's back, let them go on imagining it, but let them also wonder occasionally whether this is not an illusion due to security, too much money and a simple ignorance of the way in which things actually happen.” quote by George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/009/george-orwell-57_anti-war_if-pacifists-imagine-that-one-can-someho_2532055.jpg)
![“The young officers who had come back [from WW1], hardened by their terrible experience and disgusted by the attitude of the younger generation to whom this experience meant just nothing, used to lecture us for our softness. Of course they could produce no argument that we were capable of…” quote by George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/878/george-orwell-57_good-thing_the-young-officers-who-had-come-back-fro_1222290.jpg)
![“Moreover [pacifists] do not as a rule condemn violence as such, but only violence used in defence of western countries” quote by George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8ce/george-orwell-57_pacifism_moreover-pacifists-do-not-as-a-rule-cond_1204858.jpg)
![“The idea that you can somehow remain aloof from and superior to the struggle [World War II], while living on food which British sailors have to risk their lives to bring you, is a bourgeois illusion bred of money and security.” quote by George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ee/george-orwell-57_life_the-idea-that-you-can-somehow-remain-alo_925003.jpg)
