Skip to content

Civilized Quote by George Orwell

“...men can only be highly civilized while other men, inevitably less civilized, are there to guard and feed them.” quote by George Orwell
Download Open image
“...men can only be highly civilized while other men, inevitably less civilized, are there to guard and feed them.”

George Orwell

About This Quote

Source Novel: Animal Farm, 1945

Civilized societies rely on a subordinate class to sustain their comforts, creating dependency and inequality.

In simple terms: Civilized people depend on less civilized ones for support.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address systemic dependencies.

Themes

class civilization dependence inequality power society

Mood

critical reflective serious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • colonialism
  • workplace hierarchy
  • social welfare policies
  • urban planning
  • education systems

Key Concepts

social hierarchy economic exploitation moral responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance comfort with equitable responsibility?
  • What are the hidden costs of such dependencies?
A Different Perspective

It overlooks the agency of the so-called "less civilized" and can justify oppression.

2.3 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by George Orwell

Explore all 1,657 George Orwell quotes

More Civilized quotes

Browse all 1,043 Civilized quotes