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Atom bomb Quote by George Orwell

“In our time, political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible. Things like the continuance of British rule in India, the Russian purges and deportations, the dropping of atom bombs on Japan, can indeed be defended, but only by arguments which are too brutal for most people…” quote by George Orwell
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““In our time, political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible. Things like the continuance of British rule in India, the Russian purges and deportations, the dropping of atom bombs on Japan, can indeed be defended, but only by arguments which are too brutal for most people to face, and which do not square with the professed aims of political parties. Thus political language has to consist largely of euphemism, question-begging and sheer cloudy vagueness. Defenseless villages are bombarded from the air, the inhabitants driven out into the countryside, the cattle machine-gunned, the huts set on fire with incendiary bullets: this is called pacification. Millions of peasants are robbed of their farms and sent trudging along the roads with no more than they can carry: this is called transfer of population or rectification of frontiers. People are imprisoned for years without trial, or shot in the back of the neck or sent to die of scurvy in Arctic lumber camps: this is called elimination of unreliable elements.””

George Orwell

About This Quote

Source Essay: Politics and the English Language, George Orwell, 1946

Political language masks atrocities with euphemisms, making brutal actions seem acceptable and obscuring truth.

In simple terms: Political speech hides harsh realities with vague language.

Key Takeaway

Demand clear, honest communication.

Themes

politics euphemism truth war propaganda morality

Mood

critical thought‑provoking serious

Type

essay analysis political commentary

When to use this quote

  • political speeches
  • media reports
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

critical thinking ethical language historical analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do leaders use vague language for atrocities?
  • How can we recognize and challenge euphemistic rhetoric?
A Different Perspective

Euphemisms can desensitize audiences to suffering.

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