Peace Quote by George Orwell
““The war is not meant to be won, it is meant to be continuous. Hierarchical society is only possible on the basis of poverty and ignorance. This new version is the past and no different past can ever have existed. In principle the war effort is always planned to keep society on the brink of starvation. The war is waged by the ruling group against its own subjects and its object is not the victory over either Eurasia or East Asia, but to keep the very structure of society intact.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Political Theory, 1945
War is perpetual, serving to keep societies impoverished and ignorant, preserving hierarchical power.
In simple terms: War sustains inequality and control.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind conflict.
Themes
power
war
inequality
control
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- media narratives
- activism
- education
Key Concepts
political economy
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports war as a tool of control?
- Can conflict ever be justified ethically?
A Different Perspective
War may also be a tool for genuine defense, not solely oppression.