Anti war Quote by George Orwell
![“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)
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Politics of War”, 1942
Pacifists may mistakenly think passive resistance can defeat a powerful army, ignoring practical constraints like resources and ignorance.
In simple terms: Passive resistance unlikely against strong foes.
Key Takeaway
Consider realistic strategies in conflict.
Themes
war
pacifism
illusion
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military planning
- peace activism
- policy debates
Key Concepts
Strategy
politics
resource limits
Questions to Reflect On
- Is non‑violence ever effective?
- How to balance ideals with reality?
A Different Perspective
Idealism may overlook practicalities.
![“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)
![“I will not call myself a pacifist for the very simple reason that if something like a [Francisco] Franco should arise in Spain again, or, for that matter, in America, and tried to take away whatever dwindling civil liberties and human rights we retain, I would resist them with a club if I had to…” quote by Murray Bookchin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/murray-bookchin-2587_admiration_i-will-not-call-myself-a-pacifist-for-th_1047865.jpg)
