Aim Quote by George Orwell
“The primary aim of modern warfare ... is to use up the products of the machine without raising the general standard of living.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Politics and the English Language, 1946
War is portrayed as a means to consume industrial output while keeping civilian life unchanged.
In simple terms: War consumes machines, not people's lives.
Recognize how conflict can mask economic motives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- policy making
- historical study
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this perspective affect our view of modern conflicts?
- Can economic motives justify wartime decisions?
It ignores the human cost and moral implications of such a view.