Pacifism Quote by George Orwell
““Pacifism is a tenable position, provided that you are prepared to live with the consequences.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Limits of Pacifism” in The Guardian, 1945
Pacifism is viable only if one accepts the inevitable consequences of non‑violent stance.
In simple terms: Pacifism works if you accept its outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Consider the costs before adopting pacifism.
Themes
peace
ethics
consequences
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
pragmatic
When to use this quote
- war zones
- civil protest
- policy advocacy
- personal safety planning
Key Concepts
political philosophy
moral dilemmas
strategic planning
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you prepared to face potential harm for peace?
- What alternatives exist when pacifism seems impractical?
A Different Perspective
Real‑world conflicts may force compromises, challenging pure pacifist ideals.
![“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)
