--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If [pacifists] imagine that one can…" description: "\"“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 o..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/009/george-orwell-57_anti-war_if-pacifists-imagine-that-one-can-someho_2532055.jpg" --- # If \[pacifists\] imagine that one can somehow "overcome" the… ![“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/i/009/george-orwell-57_anti-war_if-pacifists-imagine-that-one-can-someho_2532055.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/009/george-orwell-57_anti-war_if-pacifists-imagine-that-one-can-someho_2532055.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/009/george-orwell-57_anti-war_if-pacifists-imagine-that-one-can-someho_2532055.jpg) > ““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.”” [George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-orwell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Pacifists may mistakenly think passive resistance can defeat a powerful army, ignoring practical constraints like resources and ignorance. **In simple terms:** Passive resistance unlikely against strong foes. Key Takeaway Consider realistic strategies in conflict. Themes war pacifism illusion Mood critical analytical Type political philosophical When to use this quote - military planning - peace activism - policy debates Key Concepts Strategy politics resource limits Questions to Reflect On - Is non‑violence ever effective? - How to balance ideals with reality? A Different Perspective Idealism may overlook practicalities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Anti war](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anti-war/) [Army Lying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/army-lying-1353574/) [Cybersecurity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cybersecurity/) [Imagine Overcome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imagine-overcome-1353575/) [Let Imagining](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/let-imagining-1353573/) [Pacifism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pacifism/) [Pacifists](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pacifists/) [Pacifists Imagine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pacifists-imagine-1353572/) [World war 2](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world-war-2/) ## Related quotes > [Since pacifists have more freedom of action in countries where traces of democracy survive, pacifism can act more effectively against democracy than for it.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-orwell/since-pacifists-have-more-freedom-of-action-in-countries-where-traces/) [George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-orwell/) > [“Pacifism is a psychological curiosity rather than a political movement. 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